President Bola Tinubu has dismissed claims that his administration ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stop registering new political parties. Speaking to members of the National Assembly on Democracy Day (Thursday, June 13), Tinubu insisted that there has been no interference from his government in INEC’s constitutional responsibilities.
“I have never stopped the registration of any political party,” the President declared.
Amid allegations that he is working to establish a one-party system in Nigeria, Tinubu refuted the notion, stating that the rise of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), is based on its appeal to the electorate—not suppression of opposition.
While asserting his party’s dominance, Tinubu emphasized that APC will not turn away those who want to join, noting that doing so would amount to “political malpractice.”
“You are all welcome to the progressives forum,” he said, while acknowledging the defection of new members from Delta and Akwa Ibom States.
In a pointed remark directed at rival political parties, Tinubu also stated:
“I would not help opposition political parties to put their houses in order… It is indeed a pleasure to watch your houses in disarray.”
The President’s remarks come amid continued speculation about political realignments, defections, and concerns over democratic openness within Nigeria’s multi-party system.
