President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining democracy and upholding the rule of law in Nigeria, describing both as essential pillars for the nation’s unity and stability.
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.
Tinubu said his administration would continue to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure that the rule of law remains the guiding principle of governance.
The president noted that strong internal democracy within political parties is crucial for building credible electoral institutions and transparent processes.
He also expressed support for direct primaries, stating that the system allows party members greater participation in selecting candidates for elective positions.
According to him, Nigeria’s democratic journey has been shaped by years of sacrifice by political actors who fought for civilian rule.
“We are all democrats and we voluntarily subscribe to democracy. Some of us struggled for it – we were detained, protested on the streets and even went into exile. We formed National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) in defence of democracy,” the president said.
Tinubu described himself as a “die-hard democrat” committed to a united Nigeria and pledged that democracy would remain protected under his leadership.
The president also assured political stakeholders of his commitment to credible elections, emphasising that democracy must allow both majority rule and minority participation.
“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 essence of democracy,” he said.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, commended Tinubu for what he described as strong leadership in managing the country’s diverse population and resources.
Yilwatda thanked the president for hosting leaders of different political parties and assured him of the APC’s continued support in achieving his vision for the country.
Earlier, the Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, appealed to the president to reconsider making the National Identity Number (NIN) a mandatory requirement for voter registration.
According to Dantalle, the requirement could disenfranchise many eligible voters.
He also called for the restoration of financial support to political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Dantalle further informed the president about a documentary film titled “Unbroken Democracy,” produced to mark 26 years of democracy in Nigeria.
The film, supported by Hope Uzodimma, chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, is expected to premiere at the State House soon.
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