President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again declared his strong loyalty to democratic governance, national unity, and the supremacy of the law, stating clearly that he considers himself a committed democrat who will always stand in defense of Nigeria’s democratic system. The President made this statement on Wednesday during a meeting held at the State House in Abuja, where he addressed leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council. During the discussion, he reflected on Nigeria’s democratic experience over the past twenty-six years, noting that the progress recorded so far has been made possible through dedication, patience, and sacrifice by politicians and stakeholders from different political parties. According to the President, the survival of democracy in Nigeria has depended largely on the willingness of political actors to participate peacefully and respect the system despite differences in opinion or ideology. He expressed satisfaction that those present shared a common belief in democratic rule and acknowledged that the country has continued on this path because many individuals have chosen to serve without selfish interest. Tinubu emphasized that his personal belief in democracy has never changed over the years. He explained that his commitment to democratic values is deeply rooted in his political philosophy and will remain part of him throughout his lifetime. He added that his loyalty is not only to the system itself but also to the unity and stability of Nigeria as a nation. The President further stated that respect for the rule of law must remain the foundation of every democratic society. He explained that in a democracy, disagreements are normal, but they must always be settled through lawful procedures, constructive dialogue, and intellectual debate rather than intimidation or threats. According to him, the true beauty of democracy lies in the fact that while the majority is allowed to make decisions, the minority still has the right to express its views freely even if those views do not prevail. Speaking on political loyalty, Tinubu noted that he remains committed to the political platform to which he belongs, while also recognizing that other citizens have the right to support different parties within Nigeria’s multi-party democratic structure. He stressed that being part of a democratic society means respecting both agreement and opposition without hostility. The President also looked back on his own political journey, recalling periods when he found himself in the opposition. He explained that during those times he chose to remain patient and law-abiding instead of resorting to threats or actions that could undermine the democratic process. He added that his only resistance in the past was directed at military rule, which he opposed because it did not represent the will of the people. In his concluding remarks, Tinubu encouraged political leaders across the country to remain dedicated to peace, stability, and democratic values. He said that Nigeria’s progress depends on the ability of its leaders to protect the system of government, respect the constitution, and work together despite political differences. He noted that sustaining democracy requires discipline, tolerance, and continuous commitment from everyone involved in governance, adding that these principles are necessary for the growth and development of the nation.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that he had no alternative but to approve the Electoral Act, explaining that the legislation was passed with overwhelming backing from the National Assembly of Nigeria. According to the president, his decision was guided by the need to uphold the rule of law and prevent the country from sliding into political instability. He made this known on Wednesday while speaking to leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) at the State House in Abuja, where he discussed governance challenges and the realities of operating within a democratic system. Tinubu explains decision on Electoral Act While commenting on the Electoral Act, Tinubu noted that the bill received strong support from lawmakers, making it necessary for him to respect the collective decision of the legislature. “I had no choice. I did not want to push the country into unnecessary turmoil caused by prolonged arguments,” Tinubu said. He explained that the majority of members of the National Assembly supported the bill, and if he had serious objections, he would have raised them earlier in the process. “There was an overwhelming majority in the National Assembly that passed the law. If I had strong reservations, I would have made them known. However, I chose to submit to the principle of democracy and the rule of law. I signed the bill, and the rest is now history,” he added. Democracy requires compromise and cooperation The president emphasized that democracy cannot function without compromise, cooperation, and mutual understanding among political stakeholders. According to him, political competition often feels satisfying only when one side emerges victorious, but the stability of the nation must always come first. “The game of politics appears sweet only when you are winning,” Tinubu said. He further stressed that both leaders and citizens must learn to work together, support one another, and strengthen democratic institutions for the benefit of the country. “We must accommodate one another. We must assist one another. We must continue to strengthen the platform of democracy. In a democratic system, there must be peace, stability, and commitment to the rule of law,” the president concluded.
