President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria, describing them as core pillars that will continue to guide governance under his leadership.
The President 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.
Tinubu said the unity and stability of the country depend on good governance and respect for democratic values, stressing that his administration would uphold these principles as a lasting legacy.
He emphasised that strengthening internal democracy within political parties is essential for building credible electoral institutions, processes and systems.
According to the President, the adoption of direct primaries in political parties would allow members greater participation in choosing their representatives at different levels of governance.
Responding to concerns raised by IPAC Chairman Yusuf Dantalle, Tinubu described himself as a committed democrat who had participated in the struggle to entrench democracy in Nigeria.
He recalled the role of pro-democracy activists, including the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), in resisting military rule and advocating democratic governance.
“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,” the President said, adding that democracy thrives when all voices are allowed to be heard.
Tinubu also assured party leaders of his commitment to free and fair elections, noting that he had always respected democratic processes even when they did not favour him.
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 also expressed appreciation for the President’s decision to host leaders of political parties at the Ramadan event and pledged the party’s support for the administration’s vision.
Meanwhile, Dantalle appealed to the President to reconsider the inclusion of the National Identity Number (NIN) as a requirement for voter registration under the newly signed Nigeria Electoral Law 2026, warning that the measure could disenfranchise many eligible voters.
He also called for the restoration of financial support for political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The IPAC chairman further informed the President about a documentary film titled “Unbroken Democracy”, produced to mark 26 years of democratic governance in Nigeria. According to him, the film, supported by Hope Uzodimma, chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, is expected to premiere soon at the State House.