Bola Tinubu says his path to becoming president of the most populous black nation was ordained by God as he reaffirmed his commitment to good governance, the rule of law, and the sustainability of democracy in Nigeria.
Mr Tinubu restated his commitment on Wednesday while hosting the National Working Committee members of the All Progressives Congress and the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council during an inter-faith breaking of the ongoing Islamic fast at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the president’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Mr Tinubu restated the need for political parties to build reliable electoral institutions, processes and systems.
The president stated that direct primaries would give party members better opportunities to get involved and select their representatives at various levels of governance.
Describing himself as an ardent democrat, Mr Tinubu promised to remain dedicated to Nigeria’s unity and the prevailing principle of the rule of law.
“Some of us had been bruised struggling for it. We were detained, we protested, we had street demonstrations, we went into exile and all of that. We formed NADECO. I followed the leadership destiny that God has chosen for me. There’s no doubt about it. I am a die-hard democrat,” Mr Tinubu said. “I followed that belief wholeheartedly, committed to a united Nigeria, and that principle and the philosophy will live and die with me.”
Mr Tinubu added, “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 and their way. I must not stand in their way. That is the sweetness, the essence of democracy.”
The national chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, assured the president of further support, while commending Mr Tinubu for demonstrating strong leadership despite the country’s internal diversity.
IPAC’s chair, Yusuf Dantele, urged the president to review and reconsider the inclusion of the National Identity Number as a requirement for voter registration.
Mr Dantalle argued that the inclusion of the NIN requirement could disenfranchise many eligible voters.
He also called for the removal of the indirect mode for party nominations as enshrined in the newly signed 2026 Electoral Law, as well as the restoration of INEC’s financial support for political parties.
