President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria, pledging that both principles will continue to thrive under his leadership.
The President stated that the unity and stability of the country depend on good governance and adherence to democratic norms, assuring political leaders that his government would uphold these values as a lasting legacy.
Tinubu gave the assurance during an inter-faith breaking of the fast with members of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
According to a statement by President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President emphasised the importance of strengthening internal democracy within political parties, noting that credible electoral institutions and processes can only emerge from transparent and participatory party structures.
According to him, the adoption of direct primaries offers party members greater opportunities to participate in selecting their representatives at various levels of governance.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey over the past 26 years, Tinubu described himself as a committed advocate of democratic ideals.
“We are all democrats and we subscribe to democracy willingly. Some of us were bruised in the struggle for it. We were detained, we protested, and some went into exile,” he said, recalling the role of the pro-democracy coalition National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) during the military era.
“I followed the leadership destiny that God has chosen for me. There is no doubt about it—I am a die-hard democrat. I remain committed to a united Nigeria, and that belief will live and die with me,” the President added.
He further assured political stakeholders that democratic freedoms would be protected under his administration.
“There is 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 and essence of democracy,” Tinubu said.
The President also reiterated his commitment to ensuring free and fair elections, stressing that democratic participation must remain voluntary and inclusive.
“I am a registered voter and I stand on the same platform with you. When decisions were against me in the past, I accepted them and remained in opposition without threatening anyone except the military junta,” he said.
Earlier, the National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, commended the President for what he described as strong leadership and effective management of Nigeria’s diverse human and material resources.
He also expressed appreciation to the President for hosting leaders of the ruling party, IPAC, and other political parties at the Ramadan gathering.
“We thank you for inviting the leadership of the APC, IPAC and other political parties to be part of this breaking of the fast. This gesture means a lot to us as a party and as a people,” Yilwatda said, pledging the party’s continued support for the administration’s vision.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, appealed to the President to reconsider the requirement for the National Identity Number (NIN) as a prerequisite for voter registration.
Dantalle warned that the policy, alongside the removal of indirect party nomination methods under the recently signed 2026 Electoral Law, could potentially disenfranchise many eligible voters.
He also urged the government to restore financial support previously provided to political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The IPAC chairman further informed the President that a documentary film marking Nigeria’s 26 years of democratic governance titled “Unbroken Democracy” had been produced.
According to him, the project—supported by Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum—is expected to premiere at the State House in Abuja.
