President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday reaffirmed his commitment to democratic ideals, describing himself as a “die-hard democrat” while urging politicians across party lines to uphold the rule of law and democratic principles.
Tinubu made the remarks during an interfaith breakfast meeting with executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC), members of its National Working Committee and leaders of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) at the State House in Abuja.
Highlighting his long political journey, Tinubu recalled the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists during Nigeria’s struggle against military rule.
He noted that some politicians, including himself, endured detention, protests and exile while fighting for democracy, particularly through the activities of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).
“We are all democrats and we subscribed to this democracy voluntarily. Some of us bear the bruises from the struggle — we went to detention, protested and even went into exile,” Tinubu said.
According to the president, his belief in democracy is rooted in his commitment to national unity.
“I followed the leadership destiny that God has chosen for me. I’m a die-hard democrat and I follow that belief wholeheartedly for a united Nigeria. That philosophy will live and die with me,” he added.
Tinubu’s remarks come amid criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups following his signing of amendments to the Electoral Act earlier this year.
The amended law introduces provisions such as optional electronic transmission of election results, stricter party membership register rules and new timelines for submitting digital party registers before primaries.
Some critics also faulted the abolition of delegate voting in favour of direct or consensus primaries, as well as limits placed on court intervention in electoral processes.
However, Tinubu defended the move, saying he acted in accordance with democratic principles after the bill was passed by an overwhelming majority in the National Assembly.
“I signed the Electoral Act because I had no choice. There was an overwhelming majority by the National Assembly. If I had serious reservations, I would have raised them, but I submitted myself to the rule of law,” he said.
“We will meet at the polls,” the president added.
Tinubu stressed that disagreements within the democratic process should be addressed through debate and intellectual engagement rather than confrontation.
“Argue it, debate it intellectually and interrogate each other honestly and sincerely,” he said. “But we are committed to the same thing — peace, stability and the rule of law.”
He also reminded politicians that party affiliation remains voluntary, noting that democrats must respect each other’s political choices.
Earlier, IPAC National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle praised Tinubu’s leadership but raised concerns over aspects of the amended Electoral Act.
Dantalle called for possible adjustments, including extending the 21-day deadline for submitting party membership registers with National Identification Numbers and restoring indirect primaries for smaller parties.
He also appealed for the reinstatement of government subventions to support the administration of political parties and requested federal assistance to relocate IPAC from its current rented office.
Tinubu concluded the event with a call for cooperation among political actors to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system.
“The game is sweet when you are winning,” he said. “But we must accommodate one another, strengthen the democratic platform and remain committed to peace, stability and the rule of law.”