In a statement issued on Monday, the Presidency said claims of democratic erosion were “misleading and unfounded,” noting that freedom of association is guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.
The Bola Tinubu's Presidency has rejected allegations by opposition figures that Nigeria’s multi-party democracy is under threat, insisting that recent defections of politicians to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were voluntary and constitutionally protected.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Presidency said claims of democratic erosion were “misleading and unfounded,” noting that freedom of association is guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.
“Freedom of association is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution, and no individual has been pressured or coerced into joining the APC,” the statement said. “Political realignments of this nature are not new in Nigeria and have occurred under previous administrations without any suggestion that democracy was under threat.”
The Presidency also dismissed allegations that President Bola Tinubu is using anti-corruption agencies to target political opponents, describing such claims as an attempt to politicise accountability.
“Assertions that President Tinubu is weaponising the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are entirely unfounded,” the statement said.
“The EFCC is an independent statutory institution, empowered by law to investigate and prosecute financial crimes without regard to political affiliation, status, or influence.”
According to the Presidency, the President does not interfere in the operations of anti-corruption agencies.
“The Presidency does not direct, control, or influence the activities of the EFCC or any other law enforcement body,” it added.
The statement further noted that some of the individuals now criticising the EFCC had been under investigation long before the current administration took office.
“It is troubling that some of the loudest attacks on the EFCC are coming from individuals whose cases predate this administration,” the Presidency said.
“Those with questions to answer should do so through lawful channels rather than resorting to political narratives to evade accountability.”
Emphasising the rule of law, the Presidency stressed that only the courts have the authority to determine guilt or innocence. “In a democracy governed by the rule of law, it is the courts—not political actors—that determine culpability,” it said.
The Presidency reiterated President Tinubu’s focus on governance and reform, pointing to recent economic and institutional gains.
“The President remains fully committed to addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges and advancing reforms that are already yielding results, including Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list,” the statement noted.
Reaffirming its stance on anti-corruption, the Presidency concluded: “No one is above the law, and political affiliation cannot be used as a shield against accountability. The fight against corruption is a shared national responsibility and must not be undermined by baseless or self-serving narratives.”
The statement urged political actors to engage constructively and allow democratic institutions to function without undue pressure or politicisation.