President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, reiterated his administration’s commitment to sustaining democracy and upholding the rule of law in Nigeria, pledging that these principles would remain a defining legacy of his government.
The President, in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), said the unity and stability of the country rest on the pillars of good governance, assuring Nigerians that his administration would continue to strengthen democratic institutions for the benefit of future generations.
Tinubu spoke during an interfaith breaking of the fast with members of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
He stressed that strengthening internal democracy within political parties remains critical to building credible electoral institutions and processes.
According to him, adopting direct primaries in party nominations would give members greater opportunity to participate in selecting candidates for elective offices.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Tinubu described himself as a “die-hard democrat” who had been actively involved in the struggle for democratic governance.
He stated, “We are all democrats. We subscribe to democracy voluntarily and have worked selflessly for it in the last 26 years. Some of us were bruised, struggling for it. We were detained, protested, demonstrated on the streets, and went into exile.”
He referenced his involvement in the pro-democracy movement National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), noting that the experience shaped his commitment to a united Nigeria and democratic governance.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu also assured party leaders and political stakeholders of his commitment to free and fair elections, adding that his own political journey included time spent in opposition.
“I am a registered voter. 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,” he said.
Earlier, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda commended the President for providing strong leadership and effectively managing Nigeria’s diverse human and material resources.
Yilwatda thanked Tinubu for inviting leaders of the APC, IPAC and other political parties to the Ramadan gathering, describing it as a gesture that demonstrated inclusiveness. He also assured the President of the party’s support in implementing his vision for the country.
Meanwhile, IPAC Chairman Yusuf Dantalle appealed to the President to reconsider the inclusion of the National Identity Number as a requirement for voter registration under the new electoral framework.
Dantalle warned that the policy could disenfranchise many eligible voters and also raised concerns about the removal of the indirect mode of party nominations in the newly signed 2026 Electoral Law.
He further appealed for the restoration of financial support from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to political parties.
The IPAC chairman also informed the President that a film documenting Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, titled “Unbroken Democracy,” had been produced with support from Hope Uzodimma, chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum. The film is expected to premiere soon at the State House.
