President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining democracy and upholding the rule of law in Nigeria.
The President gave the assurance on Wednesday during an interfaith breaking of the fast with members of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and leaders of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said the unity and stability of Nigeria depend on the principles of good governance, democracy, and respect for the rule of law.
The President noted that strengthening internal democracy within political parties is essential to building credible electoral institutions and processes in the country. He added that direct primaries provide party members with greater opportunity to participate in choosing their representatives at various levels of governance.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Tinubu described himself as a committed democrat who had participated in the struggle to restore civil rule in the country.
“Some of us had been bruised struggling for it. We were detained, we protested, we had street demonstrations, we went into exile and all of that. We formed NADECO,” he said.
“There’s no doubt about it. I am a die-hard democrat.”
He stressed that under his administration, democratic principles would be protected and the rule of law upheld.
“There’s no threat from any democrat under my watch. The rule of law must prevail in any democracy. The majority will have their way, and the minority will have their say… That is the sweetness, the essence of democracy,” the President added.
Tinubu also assured political leaders of his commitment to free and fair elections, noting that democratic participation must remain voluntary and inclusive.
The National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, commended the President for what he described as strong leadership and effective management of the country’s diverse population and resources.
Yilwatda also pledged the party’s support for the President’s policies and programmes.
“We are grateful to God to have you as a leader of this country. We shall support you, and we will stand by you as a party,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, urged the President to reconsider the proposed use of the National Identity Number (NIN) as a requirement for voter registration, warning that it could potentially disenfranchise eligible voters.
Dantalle also appealed for the restoration of financial support from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to political parties and raised concerns about the removal of the indirect mode of party nominations in the 2026 Electoral Law.
He further informed the President that a film documenting 26 years of democracy in Nigeria, titled “Unbroken Democracy,” has been produced with the support of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum. The film is expected to premiere at the State House.