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.
