BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has informed political parties that the unity and stability of Nigeria rest on the pillars of good governance, assuring that his administration will uphold the principles for posterity.
This was even as the President reiterated his firm commitment to sustaining democracy and rule of law in the country as a lasting legacy.
He gave the assurance at an inter-faith breaking of fast with members of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He noted that strengthening internal democracy within political parties remains fundamental to building credible electoral institutions, processes, and systems.
President Tinubu stated that direct primaries provide party members with better opportunities to participate and determine their representatives at various levels of governance.
He said: "The Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle provoked some questions. I am glad we are all democrats. And we all subscribe to this democracy voluntarily, willingly, and we've been at it selflessly in the last 26 years.
"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.
"I followed that belief wholeheartedly, committed to a united Nigeria, and that principle and the philosophy will live and die with me.
"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."
Tinubu also assured party leaders of his commitment to free and fair elections, saying that: " I am a registered voter. I am on the same platform as you. I'm going to stick to my platform. When it was against me years ago, I toed the line. I was in opposition without a threat to any human being except the military junta.
"I want democracy, and since democracy is back here, there's a fundamental voluntariness that is enshrined, and I am extremely glad to listen to you," he added.
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda commended the President for providing strong leadership and ensuring the skilful management of human and material resources in a diverse and multi-ethnic society.
"We thank you for inviting the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, IPAC and other political parties to be part of this breaking of fast. This means so much for us as a party and people.
Yilwatda assured President Tinubu of the party's support in realising his lofty vision for the country.
"We are grateful to God to have you as a leader of this country. We shall support you, and we will stand by you as a party,’’ he said.
The IPAC chairman appealed to the President to reconsider including the National Identity Number (NIN) as a requirement for voter registration.
Dantalle said that many eligible voters might be disenfranchised by the requirement for NIN and the removal of the indirect mode for party nominations as enshrined in the newly signed 2026 Electoral Law.
He also appealed for the restoration of INEC's financial support for political parties.
Dantalle told the President that a movie had been produced on 26 years of democracy in Nigeria titled: "Unbroken Democracy".
The film, supported by Governor Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, will premiere at the State House soon.
This was contained in a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday in Abuja.
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