For the umpteenth time, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described himself as a “die-hard democrat”, reaffirming his commitment to sustaining democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria as a lasting legacy.
The president, who has seized every opportunity to rein in critics and skeptics who question his democratic credentials, was, without any fear of contradiction, stating the obvious, having been at the vanguard of Nigeria’s democratic struggle for over three decades.
President Tinubu also acknowledged that the unity and stability of the country rest on the pillars of good governance, assuring that his administration would uphold these principles for posterity.
The president spoke last Wednesday in Abuja while hosting leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) to an interfaith breaking of fast for Ramadan and Lent.
Tinubu noted that his journey in politics has always been guided by destiny and faith, stressing that his democratic conviction remains unshakeable.
“I followed the leadership destiny that God has done and chosen for me, there’s no doubt about that. I’m a die-hard democrat, and I follow that belief wholeheartedly, committed to a united country Nigeria. That principle and that philosophy will live and die with me,” he said.
The president emphasised that democracy thrives on diversity of opinions and peaceful competition among political parties, urging leaders across party lines to embrace dialogue, intellectual engagement, and mutual respect.
He reflected on Nigeria’s democratic struggles and urged political actors to prioritise peace, stability and tolerance in the nation’s political space. The Nigerian leader encouraged political actors to challenge ideas openly while maintaining respect for democratic principles.
“Argue it, debate it, intellectually interrogate each other, honestly and sincerely, but we are committed to the same thing – peace and stability of the country – and we adhere to it,” he said.
President Tinubu also spoke on his personal adherence to democratic norms, recalling his experience as a member of the opposition during Nigeria’s political evolution.
The president, who came under attack, especially from the opposition for signing the Amended Electoral Bill 2022 into an Act, explained that his action was borne out of the respect for democratic institutions and the will of the legislature.
“That I signed the Electoral Act, I have no choice. I don’t want to throw the country into turmoil of argument,” he said.
The president explained that the National Assembly overwhelmingly passed the legislation and that he saw no reason to oppose it.
“There is an overwhelming majority by the National Assembly that passed the law. If I had a serious question or reservation about it, I would have raised it. But I have none. I submitted myself to the principle of the rule of law and democracy. I signed, the rest is history,” he said.
The president reminded political leaders that elections remain the ultimate test of democratic legitimacy. “We meet at the polls. The game is sweet only when you are winning. It’s alright,” he said.
Tinubu said strengthening internal democracy within political parties remains fundamental to building credible electoral institutions, processes and systems.
While making a case for direct primaries, the president said the process “provides party members with better opportunities to participate and determine their representatives at various levels of governance”.
Recall that the provision, which was included in the newly amended Electoral Act 2026, has been rejected by some critics.
Responding to remarks by Yusuf Dantalle, Chairman of IPAC, Tinubu said, “I am glad we are all democrats. We all subscribe to this democracy voluntarily and willingly, and we have been at it selflessly in the last 26 years.
“Some of us were 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 is no doubt about it. I am a die-hard democrat.
“I followed that belief wholeheartedly, committed to a united Nigeria, and that principle and philosophy will live and die with me. There is 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. I must not stand in their way. That is the sweetness, the essence of democracy,” the president stated.
President Tinubu also assured party leaders of his commitment to free and fair elections.
“I am a registered voter. I am on the same platform as you. I am going to stick to my platform. When it was against me years ago, I toed the line. I was in opposition without posing a threat to anyone except the military junta.
“I want democracy, and since democracy is back here, there is a fundamental voluntariness that is enshrined in it, and I am extremely glad to listen to you,” he added.
Blueprint.ng is impressed by President Tinubu’s oft-assurances to uphold and promote democracy and its ideals in the country, particularly against the backdrop of the apprehension in some quarters that the Tinubu administration is in the process of turning Nigeria into a one-party state.
Given the president’s leadership pedigree and enviable democratic credentials, including his strategic role in birthing the current fourth republic, we are convinced that President Tinubu is not only a democrat par excellence but also a true patriot with nationalistic fervour.
The president has amply demonstrated time and again his capacity for ensuring the skilful management of human and material resources in a diverse, multi-ethnic and multi-religious society.
This is exemplified in the recent Iftar and Lent he hosted with Muslim and Christian leaders. Thus, it behooves Nigerians across board to support President Tinubu to realise his noble vision and mission for the country.