…President Calls for Peace, Pledges to Deepen Democratic Reform
By Yinka Giwa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday combined a message of national reconciliation with decisive political action, signing amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act into law—which reaffirmed his administration’s stance against disruptive protests, and urging Nigerians to embrace forgiveness and unity as Muslims commenced the Ramadan fast alongside the Christian Lenten season.
Speaking at a Ramadan Tafsir at the State House Mosque in Abuja, Tinubu described the holy month as a period of spiritual reflection, compassion and moral renewal.
“We start this Ramadan knowing the teachings it brings to all of us. This is to get closer to God, to do good to people, to share love and faith, and to forgive sins,” the President said.
In a personal appeal, he added: “If I have sinned against you, forgive me. As Nigerians, we must learn to forgive and live in peace with one another.”
The President’s remarks came amid heightened political tension following recent demonstrations mainly at the National Assembly against the retention of manual transmission of election results as a back up to electronic transmission in the amended Electoral Act 2022.
In a statement posted on his verified X handle on February 18, 2026, the President noted the rare convergence of Ramadan and Lent, describing it as a reminder of Nigeria’s shared spiritual foundation.
“With profound reverence to God Almighty, I greet the Christian and Muslim faithful on the solemn occasions of Lent and Ramadan,” he wrote. “This year, Lent and Ramadan begin on the same day. This is not a common occurrence, and it reminds us that as a people of faith, we share a lot in common and are one people under God.”
Tinubu said both seasons called for sacrifice, penitence, devotion and communal love, urging Nigerians to promote peace, unity and stability while praying for the nation’s progress and security.
The same day, the President signed into law the final amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act, describing the changes as a necessary step in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process.
“After every election cycle, we owe Nigerians an honest look at what worked and what must work better. That is how serious democracies behave, and our laws must grow with experience,” he stated.
According to Tinubu, the amendments are focused on process rather than politics, aimed at closing legal gaps, strengthening procedures and providing clarity for election administrators and participants. He stressed that public confidence in the ballot is central to democratic stability.
“When citizens walk into a polling unit, they must do so with confidence. When results are declared, they must be trusted. That confidence is built deliberately, and not by chance,” he said, thanking the National Assembly for what he described as its cooperation and sense of national responsibility.