President Bola Tinubu has firmly denied allegations that his administration prevented the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from registering new political parties in Nigeria.
Speaking during his Democracy Day address to members of the National Assembly on Thursday, Tinubu categorically stated, "I have never stopped the registration of any political party."
The President also dismissed claims suggesting his administration was attempting to transform Nigeria into a one-party state. He emphasized that INEC has operated independently without any interference from his government regarding party registrations.
APC Welcoming New Members
While addressing the influx of politicians joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Tinubu defended the party's open-door policy. He argued that the APC "would be guilty of political malpractice if it closed its doors to those who now seek to join."
The President specifically welcomed new party members from Delta and Akwa Ibom States, saying, "you are all welcome to the progressives forum."
In what appeared to be a jab at opposition parties facing internal challenges, Tinubu added that he would not help opposition political parties resolve their internal issues, stating, "It is indeed a pleasure to watch your houses in disarray."
This clarification comes amid growing concerns from opposition groups about the democratic space in Nigeria, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recently urging Nigerians to resist what they described as the APC's "one-party state plot."
The President's statements aim to reassure Nigerians of his commitment to maintaining a multi-party democracy as the country continues to navigate its democratic journey.
Follow BenriNews on social media for more updates:
