ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his dedication to sustaining democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria, declaring himself a “die-hard democrat”.
He said this during an inter-faith breaking of the fast with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee and the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Addressing party leaders, Tinubu reflected on his personal journey, highlighting the struggles endured in the fight for democracy, including detention, protests, exile, and his role in forming NADECO.
“I followed that belief wholeheartedly, committed to a united Nigeria, and that principle and the philosophy will live and die with me,” he stated.
The President emphasized that national unity and stability rest on good governance and pledged that his administration would uphold these principles for posterity.
He stressed that strengthening internal democracy within political parties is crucial for credible electoral institutions and processes, noting that direct primaries offer members better opportunities to choose their representatives at all levels of governance.
“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,” Tinubu said, affirming the primacy of the rule of law.
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The President also assured APC members of his personal loyalty to the party: “I am a registered voter. I am on the same platform as you. I’m going to stick to my platform.
“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.”
Nentawe Yilwatda, APC Chairman, praised Tinubu for his leadership and stewardship over Nigeria’s diverse society, pledging the party’s full support in realising his vision.
Meanwhile, IPAC Chairman Yusuf Dantalle appealed to Tinubu to reconsider requiring the National Identity Number (NIN) for voter registration, citing potential disenfranchisement of eligible voters, and also urged restoration of financial support from INEC to political parties.
Dantalle additionally highlighted a forthcoming film, Unbroken Democracy, supported by Hope Uzodimma, which chronicles 26 years of Nigeria’s democratic journey and is set to premiere at the State House.
This gathering underscored the continued emphasis by President Tinubu on voluntary, inclusive democracy and his commitment to both the APC and Nigeria’s democratic institutions.