NIGERIA: Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Democracy, Rule of Law

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening democracy and upholding the rule of law in Nigeria.

The president said national unity and stability depend on good governance and assured political leaders that his government would protect democratic institutions and processes.

Tinubu spoke during an inter-faith Iftar 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.

He emphasised the importance of internal democracy within political parties, noting that it was key to building credible electoral institutions and processes.

According to him, direct primaries allow party members greater participation in choosing their representatives at different levels of government.

The president also reflected on Nigeria’s democratic struggle, saying many activists endured detention, protests, and exile during the fight for democracy.

He said: “We were detained, we protested, we had street demonstrations, we went into exile and all of that. We formed National Democratic Coalition. I followed the leadership destiny that God has chosen for me. There’s no doubt about it. I am a die-hard democrat.”

Tinubu added that democracy guarantees majority rule while protecting minority voices, stressing that the rule of law must remain the guiding principle of governance.

He also pledged to support free and fair elections, stating that he had previously respected democratic outcomes even when they were not in his favour.

Speaking at the event, the National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, commended the president’s leadership and management of the country’s diverse population. He assured Tinubu of the party’s support in achieving his administration’s objectives.

Meanwhile, IPAC Chairman Yusuf Dantalle urged the president to reconsider making the National Identity Number (NIN) compulsory for voter registration, warning that the requirement could disenfranchise eligible voters.

Dantalle also raised concerns about the removal of indirect party primaries in the newly signed 2026 Electoral Law and appealed for the restoration of financial support for political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

He further informed the president that a documentary titled “Unbroken Democracy,” produced to mark Nigeria’s 26 years of democratic rule, would soon pr

emiere at the State House.