President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should not be blamed if the party tilts towards a one-party state as it has conceived to receive more defectors from the opposition parties.

President Tinubu stated at the APC National Summit at the presidential villa, on Thursday in Abuja, that those saying his administration is pushing Nigeria towards a one-party system cannot blame people for their choice of association.

He described the opposition parties as sinking ships, noting that nobody would want to remain in such a ship, especially when he has no lifejacket.

The President said, “it is only one party that is ruling”.

“For those still contemplating bail out of their ship, the country is yours, hold on to it. For those talking about a one party system. It is one party ruling and driving the aspiration of Nigeria. You don’t blame people bailing out of a sinking ship when they have no lifejackets.

“I am glad of what we have and I am expecting more. That is the game. We are in a constitutional democracy.”

He added that nobody can force anyone to stay where they don’t want, adding that APC is ready to receive more Nigerians who are willing to join the ruling party.

He said, “they think this political party is a failure, but with your perseverance, we never gave up. We are the Progressives. We will soldier on. Continue to work hard… I listen to you, not them.

“We have an opportunity to make Africa great, but I urge you to stay the course. To those I cannot offer political positions, be patient, you will be happy to belong to this party.”

Recall that the National Chairman of the ruling APC had earlier stated that the ruling party would continue to accept defectors, and was ready to turn the nation’s democracy into a one-party structure.