Tinubu urges politicians to respect rule of law on Electoral Act

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday urged Nigerian politicians across party lines to respect the rule of law and uphold democratic principles following the recent amendment of the Electoral Act.

Tinubu spoke during an interfaith breakfast meeting with executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC), members of the National Working Committee (NWC), and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) at the State House in Abuja.

Describing himself as a “die-hard democrat,” the president recalled his role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, including his involvement in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) during the military era.

“We are all democrats and we all subscribed to this democracy voluntarily. Some of us have the bruises from the struggle. We went to detention, we protested and went on exile. We formed NADECO and eventually got here,” Tinubu said.

He emphasised that party affiliation in a democratic system is voluntary and urged politicians to pursue their ambitions within the bounds of the law.

“The rule of law must prevail in any democracy. The majority will have their say and their way, and the minority will have their say but might not have their way. That is the essence of democracy,” he stated.

Tinubu’s remarks come amid criticisms from opposition parties and civil society groups over certain provisions in the amended Electoral Act, which he signed into law on February 18 following its passage by the National Assembly.

Some critics have raised concerns over provisions such as optional electronic transmission of results, changes to party membership register requirements, and new rules governing party primaries.

Responding to the criticisms, the president said he signed the bill in line with democratic principles and respect for legislative authority.

“That I signed the Electoral Act, I have no choice. There was an overwhelming majority in the National Assembly that passed the law. I submitted myself to the principle of rule of law and democracy,” Tinubu said.

He urged political actors to engage in constructive debate rather than confrontation when addressing national issues.

 

“Argue it, debate it intellectually and interrogate each other honestly and sincerely. But we are committed to the same goal — peace and stability of the country,” he added.

 

Earlier, IPAC National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, commended the president for his inclusive leadership but expressed concerns over aspects of the amended law.

Dantalle called for adjustments to certain provisions, including the 21-day deadline for submitting party membership registers and the removal of indirect primaries, which he said could affect smaller political parties.

He also appealed for the restoration of government subventions to support the administrative activities of political parties.

Tinubu, however, maintained that while political disagreements are inevitable, all actors must remain committed to peace, stability, and adherence to the rule of law.