We’ll Sort Ourselves Out, Saraki Replies Tinubu’s Mockery of Opposition

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki has responded to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent mockery of opposition parties, assuring Nigerians that the opposition will recover from its current challenges and reposition itself as a credible democratic force.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Saraki downplayed Tinubu’s comments made during his address to a joint session of the National Assembly earlier in the week. The President had made a veiled jibe at the opposition, suggesting that it had become disorganized and ineffective, drawing laughter from many lawmakers in attendance.

“This is not the first time the ruling party will make fun of the opposition,” Saraki said. “But we’ve seen this before — it’s not new. The truth is, we will sort ourselves out. Nigeria’s democracy needs a strong opposition, and that responsibility falls on all of us who believe in genuine multiparty democracy.”

The former Senate President acknowledged that the opposition was facing internal divisions, but insisted that efforts were ongoing to rebuild unity, restore internal confidence, and reconnect with Nigerians.

According to Saraki, “The opposition is not dead, it is only going through a necessary phase of reflection and reorganization. The President should focus more on governance and delivering on his promises rather than mocking the opposition. Nigerians are not looking for comedy; they want results.”

He warned against complacency on the part of the ruling party and stressed that political power is never permanent.

Saraki added, “We in the opposition are committed to playing our role. Democracy thrives not just on elections but on robust debate, accountability, and the strength of opposing voices.”

He further urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the democratic process, assuring that opposition parties were learning from past mistakes and working behind the scenes to form a united and effective front.

The statement comes amid widespread concerns over the declining influence of opposition parties following the 2023 general elections, marked by leadership disputes and internal wrangling in parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party.

Saraki’s remarks are seen by political observers as a signal of renewed determination within the opposition to bounce back and provide a viable check on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as preparations for the 2027 elections gradually begin.