By our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to maintain peace, unity, and sportsmanship as the party commences its nationwide primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Tinubu described the commencement of the primaries as a historic milestone for the ruling party, noting that the APC was preparing for its fourth election cycle since its formation.
The President said the party was founded on the principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, sacrifice, and devotion, stressing that such values had helped the APC remain united through previous election cycles.
“The primary elections are not mere exercises to produce our standard bearers. They are a referendum on our unity, resilience, and strength as a party,” Tinubu stated.
According to him, the primaries, which begin with the House of Representatives contests and end with the presidential primary on May 25, 2026, provide an opportunity for the party to renew its shared ideals and strengthen internal cohesion.
Tinubu commended ongoing efforts by party leaders to produce consensus candidates in line with the Electoral Act and the APC constitution, describing the process as a strategy capable of reducing internal rancour and division.
He, however, urged aspirants and delegates to embrace fairness and maturity where consensus arrangements fail.
“Where consensus fails, I urge us all to go into the primaries as brothers and sisters. In every contest, there will be a winner and a loser,” he said.
The President advised winners not to mock defeated opponents while encouraging those who lose to remain loyal to the party and prepare for future opportunities.
“Our opponents are waiting for us to be against each other; we should disappoint them,” he added.
Tinubu also urged party leaders and governors to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants, insisting that fairness and justice must guide the conduct of the primaries.
He stressed the importance of greater inclusion of women and youths in the party’s political structure, appealing to voters and party stakeholders to give special consideration to both groups during the exercise.
“The inclusion of women and youth is dear to my heart. We cannot afford to relegate two significant demographics of our population,” the President stated.
Tinubu further called on security agencies, particularly the police, to remain professional and avoid interfering in the internal democratic process of the party.
“Your duties strictly centre on ensuring peaceful exercise. Nothing more,” he warned.
The President wished all aspirants success in the primaries and expressed optimism that the exercise would strengthen the APC ahead of the next general election.
