President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to embrace unity, fairness, and sportsmanship as the party commences its nationwide primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the President described the commencement of the primaries as a historic moment for the ruling party, noting that the APC was preparing for its fourth election cycle since its formation. He said the party was founded on the principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, sacrifice, and selflessness, adding that those ideals had continued to strengthen the party through successive elections.
Tinubu explained that the primary elections, beginning with the House of Representatives contests and ending with the presidential primary on May 25, 2026, were not merely exercises to select candidates but a test of the party’s unity and resilience. He commended ongoing efforts by party leaders to adopt consensus arrangements in line with the Electoral Act and the APC constitution, saying such moves would reduce internal rancour and strengthen cohesion within the party.
The President, however, stressed that where consensus could not be achieved, all aspirants and delegates should conduct themselves peacefully and democratically. He cautioned against divisive politics and urged both winners and losers to accept the outcome of the primaries in good faith, noting that politics should not be treated as a “do-or-die” affair.
He further called on party leaders, governors, and stakeholders to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants, insisting that fairness and justice must guide the process. According to him, even those who fail to secure tickets should leave the exercise convinced that the contest was transparent and credible.
Tinubu also appealed for greater inclusion of women and youths in the party’s electoral process, describing them as critical demographics that must not be sidelined. He urged delegates and party leaders to give them special consideration during the primaries.
The President equally directed the Police and other security agencies to remain professional and focus solely on maintaining peace and order throughout the exercise.
He concluded by wishing all aspirants success and expressing optimism that the eventual candidates would lead the APC to victory in the general elections.
