President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening democracy and upholding the rule of law in Nigeria, declaring that both principles will endure and flourish under his leadership.
Speaking on Wednesday, 11th March,2026 at an inter-faith 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, Abuja, the President said democracy and good governance remain the pillars of Nigeria’s unity and stability.
Tinubu stressed that sustaining democratic values and adherence to the rule of law will form a lasting legacy of his administration.
According to him, strengthening internal democracy within political parties is crucial to building credible electoral institutions and processes in the country.
He noted that the adoption of direct primaries provides party members greater opportunity to participate in selecting candidates for public office.
The President reflected on the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists during the struggle against military rule, recalling the role of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) in the fight to restore democratic governance.
“We are all democrats and we subscribe to this democracy voluntarily and willingly. Some of us were bruised struggling for it. We were detained, we protested, we had street demonstrations and even went into exile,” Tinubu said.
“I followed the leadership destiny that God has chosen for me. There is no doubt about it; I am a die-hard democrat.”
Tinubu added that under his watch, no democrat should fear intimidation, emphasizing that the rule of law must remain the guiding principle in any democratic society.
“The majority will have their way and the minority will have their say. I must not stand in their way. That is the sweetness and essence of democracy,” he stated.
The President also assured party leaders of his commitment to credible elections, saying he remains a registered voter who respects democratic processes.
“I am on the same platform as you and I will stick to my platform. When it was against me years ago, I toed the line. I was in opposition without threatening anyone,” he added.
Earlier, the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, commended the President for providing strong leadership and effectively managing the country’s human and material resources in a diverse and multi-ethnic society.
He thanked the President for inviting leaders of the ruling party, IPAC and other political parties to the Ramadan gathering, describing the gesture as significant for political cooperation.
Yilwatda also assured Tinubu of the party’s continued support in achieving his vision for Nigeria.
“We are grateful to God to have you as the leader of this country. We shall support you and stand by you as a party,” he said.
Meanwhile, IPAC Chairman Yusuf Dantalle used the occasion to urge the President to reconsider the 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 expressed concern about the removal of indirect primaries for party nominations under the newly signed 2026 Electoral Law, while appealing for the restoration of financial support to political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He further informed the President about a documentary film titled “Unbroken Democracy,” produced to commemorate Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule.
The film, supported by Governor Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, is expected to premiere at the State House soon.
