President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law, emphasizing the importance of political participation, peaceful debate, and national unity.
Tinubu made the remarks during an event attended by political stakeholders and representatives of political parties. His comments were broadcast by Channels Television on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Addressing participants, the president highlighted Nigeria’s democratic journey over the past two decades, describing it as a collective effort sustained by political actors and citizens. “I’m 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,” Tinubu said.
He reflected on the sacrifices made by individuals during the struggle for democratic governance in the country. “Some of us had a bruises of it, struggling for it. We went to detention, we protested, we have street orgasms, we went on exile and all of that. We got there,” he stated.
The president also spoke about his personal political journey and what he described as a sense of destiny in leadership. “I followed the leadership destiny that God has done and chosen for me. There’s no doubt about it. I’m a die-hard Democrat,” Tinubu said.
According to him, his political beliefs are rooted in the principles of unity and commitment to the Nigerian state. “And I followed that belief wholeheartedly, committed to a united country, Nigeria. That principle and that philosophy will live and die with me,” he said.
Tinubu also acknowledged the presence of leaders from various political parties and referenced the chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Inter-Party Advisory Council. “I’m glad I had you as IPAC chairman,” he remarked.
He further emphasized that participation in political parties and alliances remains voluntary in a democratic system. “Like I started, we are all Democrats, voluntary. Party alliances, party ideology or no ideology, party vote, party platform, in whichever form, it’s voluntary,” he said.
Tinubu stressed that no participant in the democratic process should feel threatened for holding political positions or affiliations. “So no threat from any Democrat,” he added. The president also underscored the central role of the rule of law in sustaining democratic governance. “The rule of law must prevail in any democracy,” Tinubu said.
He described the balance between majority and minority voices as an essential feature of democratic systems. “Yes, the rule of law, majority, we have their say and their way. A minority, we have their say and might not have their way. That is the sweetness, the essence of democracy,” he stated.
Tinubu called for open dialogue among political actors, urging them to engage in constructive debate while maintaining national stability. “Agree, debate it intellectually, interrogate each other, honestly and sincerely. But we are committed to the same thing, peace and stability of the country. And we adhere to it,” he said.
He concluded by reaffirming his personal participation in the democratic process as a registered voter committed to his political platform. “I’m a registered voter. I’m on the same platform with you or not. I’m going to stick to my platform,” Tinubu said.
Watch the video below from minutes 0:46 to 1:01: