President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to democracy, the rule of law and national unity, assuring Nigerians that democratic principles will be upheld under his administration.
Tinubu gave the assurance on Wednesday during an inter-faith breaking of fast with members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and leaders of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
IPAC comprises the national chairmen and secretaries of all registered political parties in the country.
Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Democracy
Addressing his guests, the president said the unity and stability of Nigeria depend on the pillars of good governance, adding that his administration would sustain those principles for the benefit of future generations.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu noted that many Nigerians had paid a heavy price in the struggle for democracy, stressing that no democrat would face threats under his watch.
“The Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, provoked some questions. I am glad we are all democrats. We voluntarily and willingly subscribed to this democracy and have pursued it selflessly over the past 26 years,” the president said.
“Some of us were bruised in the struggle for it. We were detained, we protested, held street demonstrations and went into exile.
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“We formed the National Democratic Coalition. I followed the leadership destiny that God chose for me. There is no doubt about it. I am a die-hard democrat.
“I followed that belief wholeheartedly and remained committed to a united Nigeria. That principle and philosophy will live and die with me.”
Rule of Law must Prevail, says President
Tinubu also stressed that the rule of law must prevail in any democratic system, noting that democracy allows both the majority and minority to express themselves.
“There is 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. I must not stand in their way. That is the sweetness and essence of democracy,” he said.
The president further assured political leaders of his commitment to free and fair elections, while declaring his continued loyalty to the APC.
“I am a registered voter. I am on the same platform as you and I will remain on that platform. When it was against me years ago, I toed the line.
“I was in opposition without posing a threat to anyone, except the military junta,” Tinubu added.
APC Pledges Support for Tinubu
Responding, the National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, commended the president for what he described as strong leadership and effective management of human and material resources in a diverse and multi-ethnic society.
“We thank you for inviting the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, IPAC and other political parties to this breaking of fast. It means a lot to us as a party and as a people,” Yilwatda said.
He also assured the president of the party’s support in achieving his vision for the country.
“We are grateful to God to have you as the leader of this country. We will support you and stand by you as a party,” he added.
IPAC Raises Concerns Over NIN for Voter Registration
Earlier, the Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, appealed to the president to reconsider the inclusion of the National Identity Number (NIN) as a requirement for voter registration.
Dantalle warned that the requirement, as well as the removal of the indirect mode of party nominations in the newly signed 2026 Electoral Law, could disenfranchise many eligible voters.
He also appealed to the president to restore financial support previously provided by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to political parties.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
