President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerian politicians across party lines to respect the rule of law and comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
He made the call during an interfaith breakfast meeting held at the State House in Abuja.
The appeal comes after the president signed the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) into law following approval by the National Assembly. The legislation forms part of the legal framework that will guide future elections in Nigeria.
Electoral laws and their amendments often attract strong public interest because they shape the conduct of elections, political party primaries and dispute resolution processes.
The latest amendment has generated debate among political stakeholders and civil society groups over several provisions affecting the electoral process.
Against this background, the president emphasised the need for political actors to follow democratic rules and uphold legal processes.
Speaking at the gathering, President Tinubu described himself as a committed supporter of democratic governance and urged politicians to adhere to democratic principles.
“We are all democrats and we all subscribed to this democracy voluntarily, willingly,” he said. “We’ve been at it selflessly in the last 26 years.”
The president noted that many political actors had made sacrifices in the struggle for democratic rule in Nigeria.
According to him, some activists experienced detention, protests and exile during the pro-democracy movement that led to the return of civilian rule.
“We went to detention, we protested. We went on exile… We formed NADECO. We got here,” he stated.
Tinubu also reaffirmed his commitment to democratic values, saying his political philosophy is tied to national unity and constitutional governance.
“I’m a die-hard democrat,” he said, adding that the belief would remain central to his political outlook.
Addressing leaders of political parties at the event, including members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, the president stressed that party membership and political alignment remain voluntary in a democratic system.
The president’s remarks highlight the importance of legal compliance and institutional processes in Nigeria’s electoral system.
Respect for electoral laws and constitutional provisions plays a central role in maintaining credible elections and political stability.
Political parties, electoral officials and candidates are expected to operate within the legal framework provided by the Electoral Act and other relevant regulations.
Observers often view adherence to these rules as essential for strengthening democratic governance in the country.
