President Bola Tinubu has refuted claims that his administration has halted the registration of new political parties or is working towards turning Nigeria into a one-party state.

 

Addressing a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja on Thursday, June 12, to mark Democracy Day, President Tinubu stated clearly that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not been directed at any point to stop registering political parties.

 

“I have never stopped the registration of any political party,” he said, addressing growing speculation surrounding the political climate in the country.

 

He also dismissed accusations of steering Nigeria toward a one-party system. However, the president maintained that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would not reject those seeking to join the party. “The APC would be guilty of political malpractice if it closed its doors to those who now seek to join,” he said.

 

Welcoming new members from Delta and Akwa Ibom States into the APC, Tinubu added, “You are all welcome to the progressives forum.”

 

In a sharp remark directed at the opposition, Tinubu said he would not offer help to political parties struggling with internal challenges. “It is indeed a pleasure to watch your houses in disarray,” he said.