President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday described himself as a “die-hard democrat,” urging Nigerian politicians across party lines to uphold democratic principles and respect the rule of law, regardless of personal or political interests.
Speaking during an interfaith breakfast at the State House in Abuja with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Inter‑Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Tinubu reflected on his long involvement in the country’s pro-democracy movement.
He recalled participating in protests, detention and exile during the struggle against military rule, noting that he was among those who helped form the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). According to him, those sacrifices shaped his commitment to democratic governance in Nigeria.
“We are all democrats and we subscribed to this democracy voluntarily. Some of us have the bruises from the struggle—detention, protests and exile. We formed NADECO and that is how we arrived here,” the president said.
Tinubu also insisted that political party membership and alliances remain voluntary, stressing that disagreement within a democratic system should be resolved through dialogue rather than confrontation. He urged political actors to engage in constructive debate while prioritizing peace and national stability.
His remarks come amid criticism of recent amendments to Nigeria’s Electoral Act signed into law in February after approval by the National Assembly. Opposition parties and civil society groups have raised concerns over provisions such as optional electronic transmission of results, changes to party membership registers, and the adoption of direct or consensus primaries.
Defending his decision, Tinubu said he signed the legislation in line with democratic principles and respect for the legislative process. He noted that the bill enjoyed overwhelming support in the National Assembly and said he had no major reservations about it.
“The rule of law must prevail in any democracy. The majority will have their way while the minority will have their say—that is the essence of democracy,” he said, adding that all stakeholders would ultimately meet again at the polls.
Earlier, IPAC National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle praised Tinubu as an inclusive leader
