The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is neither seeking nor supportive of a one-party state, stressing that the Federal Government remains committed to political pluralism, democratic competition and the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
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Akume also said the administration would deepen consultations with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, other faith-based organisations and relevant stakeholders on security, the economy, electoral credibility, religious freedom and other issues affecting the country.
The assurances were contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the SGF’s media aide, Yomi Odunuga, following public reactions to the recent meeting between President Tinubu and the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.
“The Tinubu administration is neither seeking nor in support of a one-party state, just as it remains deeply respectful of the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, in the spirit of true democracy,” the statement read.
Akume maintained that Nigeria’s democratic system continued to guarantee genuine political competition, lawful opposition, multi-party democracy, credible elections and the right of citizens to participate freely in the political process.
He cited the registration of 21 political parties by INEC as evidence that political pluralism remained active in the country and insisted that the Federal Government had no intention of weakening opposition parties or concentrating political power in a single platform.
The SGF said the administration would continue to respect INEC’s legal autonomy and provide all resources duly appropriated for the commission to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
He also maintained that security agencies had conducted themselves professionally and impartially during elections held under the administration, including polls observed by international organisations.
Akume reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and equal rights for all Nigerians, regardless of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.
He said the administration would continue to welcome sincere advice from respected national institutions, noting that no responsible government should disregard the concerns of its citizens.
“No responsible government should ignore the concerns of its people,” he said.
Akume also stressed the importance of sustained dialogue and conflict prevention through the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, describing cooperation with religious bodies, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector and citizens as essential to national peace and development.
“Many of the challenges confronting our nation require partnership. Faith communities, traditional institutions, civil society, the private sector and citizens all have indispensable roles to play in promoting peace, strengthening social cohesion and advancing national development,” he said.
“Constructive engagement between government and these institutions is therefore not only welcome but essential.”
The SGF said his office would continue consultations with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, other faith-based organisations and relevant stakeholders on the issues raised during the meeting with President Tinubu and on other areas where greater collaboration could advance the national interest.
“The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation will continue consultations with the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, other faith-based organisations and relevant stakeholders on the issues raised during the meeting and on areas where greater collaboration can advance the national interest,” he said.
Akume said the Federal Government had taken note of the public reactions that followed the meeting between the President and the bishops and used the opportunity to reaffirm its respect for the Catholic Church and its longstanding contributions to Nigeria’s development.
He highlighted the Church’s interventions in education, healthcare, humanitarian services, peacebuilding and moral guidance, describing them as important contributions to national progress.
According to the SGF, the discussions between President Tinubu and the bishops were candid, respectful and constructive.
He said the meeting covered concerns relating to insecurity, economic hardship, public services, education, electoral credibility, political pluralism and religious freedom.
Akume added that both sides also acknowledged areas of progress under the administration, including the student loan programme and recent security operations that led to the rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
He noted that although there were areas of agreement and differences in the assessment of government performance, such differences should not be interpreted as a breakdown in mutual respect or allowed to overshadow the shared commitment of the government and the Church to Nigeria’s peace, unity and progress.
The SGF’s statement followed public debate surrounding the meeting between President Tinubu and the Catholic bishops, during which concerns about governance, insecurity, economic conditions, electoral credibility and the country’s democratic direction were presented to the President.
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