Yemi Obafemi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining democracy and upholding the rule of law in Nigeria.
The president spoke during an inter-faith breaking of the 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 in Abuja.
In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu said Nigeria’s unity and stability depend on good governance and respect for democratic principles.
“There’s no threat from any democrat under my watch. The rule of law must prevail in any democracy. The majority will have their way, and the minority will have their say. That is the essence of democracy,” the president said.
Tinubu also emphasised the need to strengthen internal democracy within political parties, noting that direct primaries give party members greater participation in choosing candidates.
He recalled the role of pro-democracy activists during military rule, including members of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), describing himself as a committed democrat.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, commended the president’s leadership and pledged the party’s support for his administration.
The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Yusuf Dantalle, urged the president to reconsider including the National Identity Number as a requirement for voter registration under the new electoral law, warning that it could disenfranchise some eligible voters.
He also called for the restoration of financial support to political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
