PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting democratic governance and the rule of law in Nigeria, declaring that the country’s democratic system will continue to survive and flourish under his leadership.
The President gave the assurance on Wednesday during an inter-faith breaking of the fast held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he hosted members of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress and leaders of the Inter‑Party Advisory Council.
Speaking at the gathering, President Tinubu stressed that the unity and stability of Nigeria depend on good governance and respect for democratic principles, pledging that his administration would continue to uphold these values for the benefit of future generations.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s long struggle for democratic rule, the President described himself as a committed advocate of democracy who endured personal sacrifices in the fight to restore civilian governance.
According to him, the democratic ideals that guided his participation in the pro-democracy movement would continue to shape his leadership style.
Tinubu recalled the role played by pro-democracy activists during the military era, particularly the activities of the National Democratic Coalition, popularly known as NADECO, noting that many activists endured detention, exile and persecution in the quest to entrench democracy in Nigeria.
“I am a die-hard democrat,” the President said, adding that his political journey has always been rooted in the belief that a united Nigeria can only thrive under 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 and their way. That is the sweetness and the essence of democracy,” he stated.
President Tinubu also assured political leaders that his administration remains committed to ensuring free and credible elections across the country.
He emphasized that democratic participation must remain voluntary and inclusive, recalling his experience as an opposition politician during Nigeria’s earlier democratic cycles.
The President further stressed the importance of internal democracy within political parties, noting that strengthening party processes would help build credible electoral institutions and improve the overall integrity of elections.
Tinubu particularly highlighted the role of direct primaries in expanding participation among party members and enabling them to decide who represents them at different levels of governance.
Earlier in his remarks, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, commended the President for what he described as strong leadership in managing the affairs of the country.
Yilwatda said the invitation extended to leaders of the ruling party, the Inter‑Party Advisory Council, and other political parties to participate in the Ramadan breaking of fast signified the President’s inclusive approach to governance.
He also pledged the continued support of the ruling party toward the realisation of Tinubu’s vision for national development.
“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,” the APC chairman said.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Inter‑Party Advisory Council, Yusuf Dantalle, used the occasion to raise concerns about certain provisions in Nigeria’s recently signed Electoral Act 2026.
Dantalle appealed to the President to reconsider the inclusion of the National Identity Number as a mandatory requirement for voter registration.
According to him, the policy could potentially disenfranchise millions of eligible voters who have not yet obtained the identification number.
He also called for a review of the removal of indirect party nomination processes under the new electoral law and urged the restoration of financial support previously provided by the Independent National Electoral Commission to political parties.
In addition, the IPAC chairman informed the President that a documentary film celebrating 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in Nigeria had been produced.
The film, titled “Unbroken Democracy,” is expected to highlight the country’s democratic journey since 1999. It was supported by Hope Uzodimma, chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, and is scheduled to premiere soon at the Presidential Villa.
The meeting ended with renewed calls from political leaders for sustained cooperation across party lines in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and preserving the rule of law.