March 12, (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding democracy and upholding the rule of law in Nigeria, assuring leaders of political parties that the nation’s democratic system will continue to flourish under his administration.
Tinubu gave the assurance on Wednesday 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.
The President said Nigeria’s unity and stability depend on good governance, anchored on democratic principles and respect for the rule of law, stressing that his administration remains determined to preserve these values as a lasting legacy.
He emphasised that strengthening internal democracy within political parties is crucial to building credible electoral institutions, processes and systems in the country.
Tinubu also noted that the adoption of direct primaries offers party members greater opportunities to participate in determining their representatives at different levels of governance.
Reflecting on his role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, the President described himself as a committed democrat who had endured sacrifices in the fight for democratic governance.
“The Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, provoked some questions. I am glad we are all democrats. We all subscribe to this democracy voluntarily, willingly, and we have been at it selflessly in the last 26 years. 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 is no doubt about it. I am a die-hard democrat”, Tinubu said.
He stressed that under his leadership, democracy would remain inclusive and guided by 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”, the President stated.
Tinubu further assured party leaders of his commitment to free and fair elections, noting that he remains a registered voter and a participant in the democratic process.
“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 added.
Earlier, the National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, commended the President for what he described as strong leadership and effective management of the country’s diverse human and material resources. He thanked the President for hosting the APC leadership, IPAC and other political party leaders for the breaking of the fast, describing the gesture as significant for fostering unity across the political spectrum.
“We thank you for inviting the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, IPAC and other political parties to be part of this breaking of fast. This means so much for us as a party and people”, Yilwatda stated.
He also assured the President of the party’s continued support in realising his administration’s vision for the country.
“We are grateful to God to have you as the leader of this country. We shall support you, and we will stand by you as a party”, he added.
In his remarks, the Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, appealed to the President to reconsider the proposed inclusion of the National Identity Number (NIN) as a requirement for voter registration. According to him, the requirement could disenfranchise many eligible voters.
Dantalle also raised concerns about the removal of the indirect mode of party nominations in the newly signed 2026 Electoral Law and appealed for the restoration of financial support for political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore financial support for political parties.
He further informed the President that a documentary film titled “Unbroken Democracy”, which chronicles Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, has been produced.
The film, supported by Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, who chairs the Progressive Governors Forum, is expected to premiere soon at the State House in Abuja.
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