The Director of Administration at The Progressive Institute, Prof. Ademola Abbas, has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies reflect boldness and courage, describing him as a leader who takes decisive actions in the interest of the nation.
Speaking on Channels Television on Thursday, Abbas said the recent wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was not surprising, given the President’s strong leadership style.
“Whether you like him or not, whether you like his policies or not, he has exhibited courage in taking some bold decisions and making some daring policies,” Abbas said. “These are decisions that those without courage, or without genuine interest in the country, would not make.”
He added: “I’m not saying President Asiwaju is an angel — there are no angels among men — but as far as politics is concerned, he has justified the confidence I expressed earlier. He is bold, he is courageous, and we need bold, courageous leaders in Nigeria today.”
On the rising number of defections to the APC, Abbas said it was a natural occurrence in Nigerian politics, where politicians often realign with leaders whose policies they support, even across party lines.
“I might belong to the PDP today or the Labour Party, but nothing stops me from supporting another party if I believe the person there is doing what I would have supported,” he said. “Don’t be surprised that many governors are going to join the APC.”
Abbas noted that genuine leaders should prioritise nation-building over party loyalty. “If you are a governor and you see that the person in power, even if you don’t like him, is doing what’s best for the country, why won’t you support him?” he asked.
He further argued that many of those criticising the President’s reforms are individuals who benefited from Nigeria’s former culture of excess.
“As Nigerians, we have been living above our means. At one point, we were importing toothpicks, and people were hoarding dollars. We needed someone courageous and focused to address those issues. Many of those shouting now are the same people who destroyed the country to this point,” he said.
Abbas also stated that the Nigerian Constitution does not explicitly prohibit a one-party state. “There is no provision in the Constitution that says Nigeria cannot be a one-party state. The only thing that guards against it is Section 68(1)(g), which talks about carpet-crossing. By inference, it means you must have at least two parties before you can carpet-cross,” he explained.
His comments follow the recent defections of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri to the APC, a development that has further weakened the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.