The Democratic Front (TDF) has welcomed the promise by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and other registered political parties that democracy and the rule of law will thrive and survive under his administration.
In a statement signed by its Chairman Mallam Danjuma Muhammad and Secretary Chief Wale Adedayo, TDF pointed out that the assurance could not have come at a better time.
“TDF is glad to note that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made such a reassuring commitment at a time when the nation is preparing towards another general election in January 2027.
“In addition to the human rights record of his administration, our assessment of the 27 years of Nigeria’s uninterrupted democracy reveals that Tinubu’s tenure is set to be the golden age for Nigeria’s democracy and the rule of law since 1999.
“We acknowledge that the past 3 years under this administration have seen a remarkable respect for human rights, unrestricted freedom of association, freedom of speech, respect for the Judiciary, and a rancour-free mutual coexistence with the legislative arm under the principle of Separation of Powers, enshrined in the Constitution of Nigeria 1999, as amended.
“TDF however picked holes in IPAC’s complaints on some aspect of the electoral act to the President.
“We find it necessary to engage some of the issues raised by the Chairman of IPAC Yusuf Dantalle, regarding the inclusion of National Identity Number (NIN) as a requirement for party membership and the removal of the indirect mode for party nominations, during the inter-faith breaking of fast with the President.
“As the head of an organisation that serves as the umbrella body for all registered political parties in Nigeria, the IPAC Chairman should have known better that it would amount to a breach of the Constitution for the President to alter the Electoral Act under any guise.
“The President can only send an Executive Bill to the National Assembly for amendment. In which case, the IPAC leadership should intimate the National Assembly with their request, not the President, “it said.
The group also hailed President Tinubu’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
“Furthermore, as keen observers of Nigeria’s democratic governance, TDF has noticed the absence of practices like indiscriminate arrests of Journalists, disregard for judicial processes and judgements, abuse of legislative privileges, and other brigandage that led to a series of disagreements and irreconcilable differences between the Executive and the Legislature, which characterised democratic governance in Nigeria since 1999.
“This, for us, is on account of President Tinubu’s wholesome commitment to constitutional democratic practice, and deep respect for the Rule of Law, even when prevailing circumstances are against the desire and interest of his government.
“We recall that his devotion as a true democrat was tested when he sent the Tax bill to the National Assembly for legislative confirmation in 2025.
Despite the various positions adopted by legislators and other opinion leaders across the nation, Tinubu subjected his personal desire to the verdict of democracy, by allowing the will of the people to determine the fundamental objectives of the new Tax Law.
“Tinubu’s credentials as a committed democrat cannot be disputed under any circumstance.
The President has been consistent in offering democratic leadership to the nation.
His tolerance of dissents and criticism of his policies, and his exemplary willingness to make amends where he erred, have broadened the democratic space in Nigeria,” TDF added.
