President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed accusations that his administration has targeted or “killed” opposition members, insisting that unity remains Nigeria’s only path forward.
Speaking amid heightened political tensions, Tinubu said critics are entitled to their opinions, but he strongly denied claims that he suppressed political opponents.
“Whatever they call you, any name, any nickname, critics must talk,” the President said. “When they accused me of killing opposition, I didn’t have a gun. I could have given myself a license when I had the authority, but I didn’t. I can’t blame anybody from jumping out of fear if they did.”
He highlighted that Nigeria is navigating a difficult period, marked by terrorism and banditry, and stressed that addressing these challenges requires collective effort rather than division.
“What we have faced in this challenging period, the terrorism and banditry, is causing havoc, and we should pull together,” he stated.
Tinubu further urged Nigerians to reflect on the vision of the nation’s founding fathers, who envisaged a constitutional democracy built on unity, not conflict. “They didn’t say we should fight. It’s a good thing that we are working in harmony,” he added.
His comments come as opposition figures and critics continue to question the direction of his administration. The President maintained that constructive engagement, rather than hostility, is essential for stabilizing the country and strengthening its democracy.
