President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has refuted claims suggesting that his administration has obstructed the registration of new political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking on Thursday during his address to members of the National Assembly as part of the Democracy Day celebrations, the President stated unequivocally that he has neither directed nor influenced INEC to deny registration to any political group.
“I have never stopped the registration of any political party,” President Tinubu affirmed, responding to circulating speculation.
He further dismissed allegations that his administration harbours intentions of transforming Nigeria into a one-party state. According to him, such claims are baseless and do not reflect the principles of democratic governance that his administration upholds.
The President emphasized that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains open to all who wish to join, underscoring the importance of inclusivity within a multiparty democracy. “The APC would be guilty of political malpractice if it closed its doors to those who seek to join us,” he said.
Welcoming new members from Delta and Akwa Ibom States, Tinubu said, “You are all welcome to the progressives’ forum,” in a gesture aimed at reinforcing the party’s expanding national reach.
Concluding his remarks, Tinubu noted that he bears no responsibility for the internal challenges facing opposition parties. “It is indeed a pleasure to watch your houses in disarray,” he quipped.
