By Gabriel Ameh
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening democracy and upholding the rule of law in Nigeria.
The President gave the assurance on Wednesday during an interfaith breaking of fast with members of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress and leaders of the Inter-Party Advisory Council at the Presidential Villa.
Tinubu said his administration remains determined to ensure that democratic principles continue to thrive in the country, stressing that good governance and adherence to the rule of law are essential for national stability and unity.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening internal democracy within political parties, noting that credible institutions and electoral processes depend largely on transparent party systems.
According to the President, the adoption of direct primaries offers party members greater opportunity to participate in selecting candidates for elective positions at different levels of government.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Tinubu recalled the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists during the struggle against military rule, including protests, detentions and political exile. He reaffirmed his longstanding commitment to democratic governance and national unity.
“The rule of law must prevail in any democracy. The majority will have their way while the minority will have their say,” the President said, adding that his administration would continue to protect democratic freedoms and ensure that no political actor is intimidated.
Tinubu further assured political stakeholders of his commitment to conducting free and fair elections, stressing that democracy in Nigeria remains a voluntary system sustained by the collective will of the people.
Earlier, the National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, commended the President for what he described as effective leadership and prudent management of Nigeria’s diverse human and material resources.
Yilwatda also thanked the President for hosting leaders of political parties at the Ramadan gathering and pledged the party’s continued support for the administration’s policies and programmes.
In his remarks, the Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, appealed to the President to reconsider the proposal to make the National Identity Management Commission number a mandatory requirement for voter registration.
Dantalle expressed concern that linking voter registration strictly to the National Identity Number could potentially disenfranchise some eligible voters.
He also called for the restoration of financial support previously provided to political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The IPAC chairman further informed the President that a documentary film titled Unbroken Democracy, which chronicles Nigeria’s 26 years of democratic governance, has been produced with support from Hope Uzodimma, chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum.
According to him, the film is scheduled to premiere at the State House in Abuja.
