Customs intercepts 1,682 wraps of cannabis concealed inside corpse

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed speculation that his administration is working to prevent the formation of new political parties in Nigeria.

Advertisement

Speaking at a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday, during events to commemorate Democracy Day, Tinubu made it clear that he has not interfered with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding party registration.

“I have never stopped the registration of any political party,” the President said firmly, responding to ongoing public concerns and opposition accusations of fostering a one-party system.

The rumors stemmed from increasing defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and murmurs within political circles about restrictions on new party registrations. 

Latest News

Tinubu, however, defended the growth of the APC, stating that openness to new members should not be misconstrued as suppression of opposition voices.

He said, “The APC would be guilty of political malpractice if it closed its doors to those who now seek to join. Everyone is welcome to the progressives forum.”

Welcoming new members from Delta and Akwa Ibom States, Tinubu emphasized that his administration would not interfere in the internal affairs of rival parties.

“I will not help opposition political parties to put their houses in order,” he added. “It is indeed a pleasure to watch your houses in disarray.”

The President’s statements come at a time of increasing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Advertisement

Critics have warned that a weakened opposition could lead to authoritarianism, but Tinubu maintains that democracy is thriving and his government is committed to preserving political freedom.

Observers now watch closely to see how INEC responds and whether more new parties will emerge in the coming months.

#Tinubu #NigerianPolitics #INEC #PoliticalParties #DemocracyDay #APC #TinubuSpeech #QubesMagazine