President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerian politicians across party lines to respect democratic principles and abide by the rule of law, particularly in matters relating to the Electoral Act.
Speaking on Wednesday during an interfaith breakfast at the State House attended by executives of the All Progressives Congress, members of its National Working Committee, and representatives of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, the president described himself as a “die-hard democrat” committed to protecting Nigeria’s democratic system.
Tinubu reflected on his long involvement in the country’s pro-democracy struggle, noting that many political actors paid significant personal sacrifices to achieve the current democratic order. He recalled experiences of detention, protests, and exile during the fight against military rule, as well as his role in establishing the National Democratic Coalition.
According to him, democracy must remain anchored on respect for the law, even when decisions may not favor everyone. He stressed that while the majority will often determine outcomes in democratic systems, minority voices must still be heard and respected.
The president also addressed controversies surrounding the recently amended Electoral Act, which he signed into law on February 18 after approval by the National Assembly. The amendments have drawn criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups over several provisions.
Key areas of concern include making electronic transmission of election results optional, introducing new rules for party membership registers, replacing delegate-based primaries with direct or consensus primaries, and setting a 21-day deadline for parties to submit digital membership registers before primary elections. The law also introduces limits on court interventions in electoral matters.
Tinubu explained that his decision to sign the amendment was guided by democratic principles and respect for legislative authority. He noted that the National Assembly overwhelmingly passed the bill, leaving him with little justification to withhold assent.
He encouraged political stakeholders to challenge policies through debate and intellectual engagement rather than confrontation, emphasizing the need to preserve peace and political stability in the country.
Earlier, the chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Yusuf Dantalle, commended Tinubu for maintaining an inclusive leadership style but urged the government to reconsider certain provisions of the Act.
Dantalle also appealed for adjustments that would ease compliance requirements for political parties and improve the overall functioning of Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system.
