President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his unwavering dedication to the principles of democracy and the rule of law, describing himself as a “die-hard democrat” committed to leaving a legacy of stable, transparent governance in Nigeria.
Speaking during an inter-faith breaking of the fast at the Presidential Villa with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the President emphasized that the unity of the nation is anchored on the pillars of democratic integrity and the protection of minority voices.
“I am a die-hard democrat,” President Tinubu stated. “I followed that belief wholeheartedly, committed to a united Nigeria, and that principle and the philosophy will live and die with me. Under my watch, the rule of law must prevail. The majority will have their way, while the minority will have their say.”
Reflecting on the 26-year journey of Nigerian democracy, the President highlighted the personal sacrifices made by those who struggled against military rule, citing his own history with NADECO and his period in exile as evidence of his lifelong commitment to the cause. He noted that the strength of the nation’s electoral system depends heavily on the internal democracy of political parties, advocating for direct primaries as a means to ensure broader participation.
During the engagement, the President also addressed several key electoral issues:
A commitment to ensuring free and fair elections where every registered voter—including the President himself—operates on a level playing field.
The President expressed his openness to dialogue with all political factions, emphasizing that his administration poses no threat to any democratic actor.
In response to concerns raised by IPAC regarding the 2026 Electoral Law—specifically the use of the National Identity Number (NIN) for voter registration—the President signaled a willingness to listen to stakeholders to ensure no citizen is disenfranchised.
The Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, commended the President’s leadership in managing the country’s diverse human and material resources. Additionally, IPAC Chairman Yusuf Dantalle announced the upcoming premiere of “Unbroken Democracy,” a film documenting Nigeria’s 26-year democratic journey, to be showcased at the State House.
The President concluded by reiterating that his administration will continue to uphold the voluntary and selfless spirit of democracy that has characterized the nation’s progress since 1999.
