President Bola Tinubu says he is committed to sustaining democracy, the rule of law, and unity in Nigeria.
Tinubu spoke on Wednesday at an inter-faith breaking of fast with members of the national working committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) at the presidential villa in Abuja.
IPAC consists of national chairmen and secretaries of all registered political parties in Nigeria.
The president told his guests that the unity and stability of the country rest on the pillars of good governance and assured that his administration will uphold these principles for posterity.
In a statement on Wednesday issued by Bayo Onanuga, his special adviser on information and strategy, Tinubu said many Nigerians have suffered for the country’s democracy, adding that on his watch, there will be no threat to any democrat.
“The Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, provoked some questions. I am glad we are all democrats. And we all subscribe to this democracy voluntarily, willingly, and we’ve been at it selflessly in the last 26 years,” he said.
“Some of us had been bruised struggling for it. 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.
“I followed that belief wholeheartedly, committed to a united Nigeria, and that principle and the philosophy will live and die with me.”
The president stated that in any democracy, the rule of law must prevail and the majority and minority will have their way.
“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. I must not stand in their way. That is the sweetness, the essence of democracy,” the president added.
Tinubu also assured party leaders of his commitment to free and fair elections but vowed to remain loyal to the APC.
“I am a registered voter. I am on the same platform as you. I’m going to stick to my platform. When it was against me years ago, I toed the line. I was in opposition without a threat to any human being except the military junta,” he said.
“I want democracy, and since democracy is back here, there’s a fundamental voluntariness that is enshrined, and I am extremely glad to listen to you.”
Responding, Nentawe Yilwatda, APC national chairman, commended the president for “providing strong leadership and ensuring the skilful 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 be part of this breaking of fast. This means so much for us as a party and people,” Yilwatda said.
He assured the president of the party’s support in realising his lofty vision for the country.
“We are grateful to God to have you as a leader of this country. We shall support you, and we will stand by you as a party,” he said.
Dantalle, IPAC chairman, appealed to the president to reconsider the inclusion of National Identity Number (NIN) as a requirement for voter registration.
“Many eligible voters might be disenfranchised by the requirement for NIN and the removal of the indirect mode for party nominations as enshrined in the newly signed 2026 Electoral Law,” Dantalle said.
The IPAC chairman also appealed for the restoration of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s financial support for political parties.
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