‘I Don’t Have A Gun’ – Tinubu Reacts To Claims Of Killing Opposition In Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed allegations that his administration is orchestrating the systematic destruction of opposition political parties in Nigeria.

The President stated this during an interfaith Iftar meeting with members of the Senate at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday.

Tinubu was responding to growing concerns from critics and political observers who claim the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is using state power and intimidation to force opposition figures into its fold.

Reacting to the claims, the President noted that while critics are entitled to their opinions, he has never used illegal force against any political group.

“Critics must talk. When they accused me of killing the opposition, but I didn’t have a gun. I could have given myself a licence when I have the authority,” Tinubu said.

The President’s remarks come on the heels of a massive wave of defections, where several high-profile lawmakers and politicians from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) have dumped their platforms for the APC.

Addressing the exodus, Tinubu maintained that the defectors were leaving out of their own free will due to internal friction within their respective parties.

“I can’t blame anybody for jumping out of a sinking ship if they did,” he added, suggesting that the crisis within the opposition camps, rather than presidency interference, was responsible for the depletion of their ranks.

The President further linked the current political climate to the broader challenges facing the nation, specifically the menace of terrorism and banditry.

According to him, the insecurity in the country remains a major hurdle that requires a united front rather than partisan warfare.

“What we have faced in the challenging period of this country, the terrorism and banditry, is causing us havoc. And we should pull together, unite in a way that our forefathers contemplated to bring about a constitutional democracy and pull us together. They didn’t say we should fight. It’s a good thing that we are working in harmony,” he stated.

Tinubu concluded by urging the lawmakers to shift their focus from political bickering to national development and the restoration of security across the federation.