Bola Tinubu: I Did Not Kill Opposition Politicians — Defections Were Voluntary

President Bola Tinubu has dismissed allegations that his administration is responsible for weakening opposition parties or forcing political defections in the country.

The president stated that he neither pressured nor coerced any politician to abandon their political parties, explaining that individuals who moved to the ruling party did so out of personal and political conviction.

Tinubu made the remarks during an interfaith iftar with members of the Senate at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

He emphasised that democracy guarantees freedom of association, adding that politicians have the right to choose the political platforms they wish to belong to.

The president rejected claims that his government was orchestrating opposition defections, insisting that political realignments were driven by changing political realities rather than state pressure.

He further called for unity among political leaders and urged stakeholders to prioritise cooperation and constructive dialogue to strengthen democratic governance in Nigeria.

According to him, sustainable democracy thrives on inclusiveness, tolerance, and peaceful political engagement rather than hostility or intimidation.