President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described himself as a “die-hard democrat,” reaffirming his commitment to democratic principles, the rule of law, and national unity. The comment was made on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, during an inter‑faith breaking of the fast event held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Tinubu made the remarks while addressing leaders of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee, and executives of the Inter‑Party Advisory Council (IPAC). He highlighted his long history in Nigeria’s pro‑democracy movement, including protests, detention, and exile during military rule, and tied these experiences to his unwavering belief in democratic governance.
The president stressed that genuine democracy must respect the rule of law and allow both majority and minority voices to be heard. He urged politicians across party lines to submit to constitutional processes rather than resort to confrontation.
Tinubu also reaffirmed that free and fair elections would remain a cornerstone of his administration and reassured political leaders of his dedication to sustaining Nigeria’s democratic system.
The speech is seen as part of ongoing efforts by the president to strengthen democratic norms amid debates about electoral reforms and political competition ahead of future elections.
