President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday reiterated his unwavering commitment to sustaining democracy and upholding the rule of law in Nigeria, emphasizing that these principles will remain a lasting legacy of his administration.
The President made the remarks during an inter-faith breaking of the fast with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee and leaders of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He highlighted the critical role of good governance as the foundation for national unity and stability.
Emphasizing the importance of internal democracy within political parties, “Direct primaries provide party members with better opportunities to participate and determine their representatives at various levels of governance,” Tinubu said.
Reflecting on his long-standing dedication to democracy,“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. I followed the leadership destiny that God has chosen for me. There’s no doubt about it. I am a die-hard democrat. I followed that belief wholeheartedly, committed to a united Nigeria, and that principle and philosophy will live and die with me,” the President added.
On the sanctity of the rule of law,“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 and their way. I must not stand in their way. That is the sweetness, the essence of democracy,” he stated.
Addressing election integrity, President Tinubu assured political leaders of his commitment to free and fair polls. “I am a registered voter. I am on the same platform as you. I want democracy, and since democracy is back here, there’s a fundamental voluntariness that is enshrined, and I am extremely glad to listen to you,” he said.
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, praised the President’s leadership, describing it as pivotal for managing Nigeria’s diverse, multi-ethnic society. “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,” Yilwatda said.
Meanwhile, IPAC Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, raised concerns over provisions in the recently signed 2026 Electoral Law, particularly the requirement of the National Identity Number (NIN) for voter registration and the removal of indirect party nominations. He warned that the measures could disenfranchise eligible voters.
Dantalle also appealed for the restoration of INEC’s financial support for political parties and briefed the President on an upcoming film celebrating Nigeria’s 26 years of democracy, titled Unbroken Democracy, produced with the support of Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum.