Tinubu Declares Himself a Staunch Supporter of the Democratic Party

President Bola Tinubu proclaimed himself a "die-hard democrat" on Wednesday, urging Nigerian politicians to adopt genuine democratic principles and adhere to the rule of law, regardless of personal or political consequences.

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Tinubu made this statement while speaking at an interfaith breakfast held for All Progressives Congress (APC) executives, National Working Committee (NWC) members, and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) at the State House.

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He reflected on his decades-long history of promoting democracy, which included being detained and exiled, as well as co-founding the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).

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Tinubu emphasized that his commitment to democracy is a lifelong philosophy closely tied to national unity, stating "I followed the leadership destiny that God has done and chosen for me, there’s no doubt about that.

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He asserted that his dedication to democracy is unwavering, saying "I’m a die-hard democrat, and I follow that belief wholeheartedly, committedly, to a united country; Nigeria."

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Tinubu addressed IPAC National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle directly, emphasizing that party affiliation remains voluntary, even in the face of pressure, and that no democrat should issue threats.

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His remarks came amid controversy surrounding the Electoral Act amendments, which he signed into law on February 18 after the National Assembly approved them overwhelmingly.

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Critics from opposition parties and civil society have raised concerns about provisions such as optional electronic result transmission and new party membership register rules.

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Tinubu defended the rule of law as the core of democracy, saying "The Rule of Law must prevail in any democracy. Yes, Rule of Law. Majority will have their say and their way, and minority will have their say and might not have their way."

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He advocated for intellectual debate over confrontation, encouraging politicians to "argue it, debate it intellectually, interrogate each other, honestly and sincerely."

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Tinubu addressed IPAC concerns about the Electoral Act, stating that he had no choice but to sign it due to the overwhelming majority in the National Assembly.

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He recalled his time in opposition, noting that restraint was essential, except when resisting military rule, and that he would "stick to my platform" as a registered voter.

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Earlier, Dantalle praised Tinubu as a "listening father and an inclusive president" but expressed concerns about the Act, including the 21-day membership register deadline and the abolition of indirect primaries for smaller parties.

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Dantalle appealed for tweaks to the Act, such as easing the membership register deadline and reinstating government subventions for party administration, saying "You are a product of multi-party democracy, Your Excellency."

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Tinubu concluded on a conciliatory note, stating "The game is sweet only when you are winning. It’s alright we must accommodate one another, we must help one another. We must strengthen the platform. But democracy is it? Yes, there must be peace, stability and commitment to Rule of Law."