Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has responded to President Bola Tinubu’s remarks on the internal crisis plaguing Nigeria’s opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking on Thursday, June 12, during the Democracy Day commemoration at the National Assembly, President Tinubu had commented on the divisions within the opposition, stating it was “a pleasure” to witness the parties “in disarray.” He added that he had no intention of helping them resolve their issues, saying, “I will not help you to do so, either.”
Tinubu also denied allegations that his administration was attempting to create a one-party state, following a wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reacting to the president’s comments, Saraki acknowledged the PDP’s internal challenges but called on party members and other opposition blocs to take responsibility for rebuilding. Speaking to journalists after attending the Democracy Day ceremony, Saraki said:
“I think we must take him at his words. I mean, he spoke well, saying that he’s not for a one-party state. So we must take him at his word, and he supports a multi-party system. So we are all on the same page.”
He continued, “That’s why we are going around and bringing everybody to come around. So those who say they are under pressure, there is no pressure anymore. We’re all for multi-party, and everybody should get their house in order. As he said, he’s not going to help us, so we are going to sort our own house again.