President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has denied allegations that his administration is working to halt the registration of new political parties in Nigeria.
The clarification comes amidst widespread reports and public concerns suggesting that the federal government had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restrict political participation by stalling the registration of emerging parties.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, the Presidency described the claims as “false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public.” The statement emphasized that President Tinubu remains committed to democratic values, including the constitutional right of Nigerians to associate freely and participate in political processes.
“The President has not, and will not, interfere with the independence of INEC or any institution responsible for upholding democratic governance,” the statement read. “Our administration is focused on strengthening democracy, not undermining it.”
INEC has also reiterated its independence and clarified that it has not received any directive from the executive arm of government to suspend or restrict the registration of new political entities. The Commission assured Nigerians that applications for new party registration would be treated in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act.
Political observers have described the uproar as a reflection of rising political tensions and called for calm, urging stakeholders to rely on verified information rather than speculation.
