By Jimmy Fatunbi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday described himself as a “die-hard democrat,” urging politicians across party lines to uphold democratic ideals and respect the rule of law regardless of political interests.
Tinubu made the remarks during an interfaith breakfast held at the State House for leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), members of its National Working Committee, and representatives of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).
The President reflected on his long involvement in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement, noting that many activists endured detention, protests and exile in the struggle for democratic governance.
“We are all democrats and we subscribed to this democracy voluntarily. For the past 26 years, we have worked for it selflessly. Some of us bear the scars of that struggle — we were detained, we protested and some went on exile. We formed NADECO and that struggle eventually brought us here,” he said, referencing the National Democratic Coalition.
Tinubu said his belief in democracy remains a lifelong commitment tied to the unity of the country.
“I’m a die-hard democrat and I follow that belief wholeheartedly in my commitment to a united Nigeria. That philosophy will live and die with me,” he added.
Speaking directly to IPAC National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle, the President stressed that participation in political parties is voluntary and should not attract intimidation or persecution.
“We are all democrats. Party alliances and platforms are voluntary choices. No democrat should threaten another for belonging to a particular party,” he said.
Tinubu’s comments come amid criticism from opposition groups and civil society organisations over recent amendments to Nigeria’s Electoral Act, which he signed into law on February 18 after its passage by the National Assembly.
Critics have raised concerns about provisions in the law, including making electronic transmission of results optional, introducing stricter rules for party membership registers, abolishing delegate voting in primaries, and imposing a 21-day deadline for submitting digital party registers ahead of primaries.
Defending his decision, Tinubu emphasised that the rule of law is central to democracy.
“The rule of law must prevail in any democracy. The majority will have their say and their way, while the minority will have their say even if they do not have their way. That is the essence of democracy,” he said.
He urged political actors to resolve disagreements through dialogue rather than confrontation.
“Debate the issues intellectually, interrogate each other honestly and sincerely. What matters is that we are all committed to the peace and stability of the country,” the President stated.
Explaining why he assented to the Electoral Act amendment, Tinubu said the overwhelming support it received in parliament left him with little reason to withhold approval.
“I signed the Electoral Act because there was an overwhelming majority in the National Assembly that passed it. If I had serious reservations, I would have raised them. I submitted myself to the principle of rule of law and democracy. I signed it, and the rest is history. We will meet at the polls,” he said.
He also recalled his years in opposition, noting that he had always respected democratic processes except during military rule.
Earlier, Dantalle commended Tinubu as a “listening and inclusive president” but raised concerns about aspects of the Electoral Act.
He said IPAC had previously worked closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission to prevent crises during the 2023 general elections and urged the government to reconsider some provisions of the amended law.
Among the proposals he highlighted were extending the 21-day deadline for submitting membership registers linked to National Identification Numbers, restoring indirect primaries for smaller parties and reintroducing government subventions to support political party administration.
“We are not asking for money to spend recklessly, but support for basic administration of political parties. You are a product of a multi-party democracy,” Dantalle told the President.
He also appealed for federal assistance to help IPAC relocate from its current rented office.
Tinubu, however, ended the meeting on a conciliatory note, stressing the need for cooperation among political actors.
“The game is sweet only when you are winning, but we must accommodate one another. We must strengthen the democratic platform while ensuring peace, stability and respect for the rule of law,” he said
