President Bola Tinubu has urged APC members, leaders and aspirants to uphold peace, fairness and unity as the party commences its nationwide primaries for the 2027 general elections.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for unity, fairness and sportsmanship as the All Progressives Congress (APC) begins its nationwide primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President described the commencement of the primaries as a historic moment for the ruling party, noting that the APC was entering its fourth election cycle since its formation.
According to Tinubu, the party was founded on the principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, personal devotion and sacrifice.
“We founded the All Progressives Congress on the firm principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, and personal devotion and sacrifice,” he stated.
The President said the primaries, beginning with the House of Representatives contests and ending with the presidential primary scheduled for May 25, 2026, were not merely exercises to elect candidates but a test of the party’s unity, resilience and strength.
He noted that ongoing consultations among party leaders to produce consensus candidates in line with the Electoral Act and the APC constitution were commendable and capable of reducing internal rancour.
“I note the impressive progress made in this regard and encourage fellow party members to make the most of this window to ensure a seamless process and a more unified party,” Tinubu said.
While acknowledging that elections remain a fundamental aspect of democracy, the President urged party members to approach the primaries peacefully and avoid divisive politics.
“Where consensus fails, I urge us all to go into the primaries as brothers and sisters,” he stated.
Tinubu warned against rancorous conduct and urged both winners and losers to display maturity and sportsmanship in the interest of party unity.
“In every contest, there will be a winner and a loser. I urge the winners not to gloat in victory and the losers to show sportsmanship by taking things in their stride and preparing for another time,” he added.
The President also advised party leaders and victorious aspirants to reconcile with unsuccessful contestants by extending “olive branches” to them.
“We should not play the politics of old; the do-or-die politics that we have put behind us. Politics should never be a zero-sum game,” he said.
Addressing governors and other APC leaders, Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged them to remain fair and impartial throughout the process.
“You must rise above sentiment to offer all aspirants a level playing field that guarantees participation without let or hindrance,” he stated.
Tinubu further stressed the importance of women and youth inclusion in the political process, appealing to party members and delegates to give them adequate consideration during the primaries.
“The inclusion of women and youth is dear to my heart,” he said.
The President also called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to remain professional and limit their roles to ensuring peaceful conduct during the exercise.
“Your duties strictly centre on ensuring peaceful exercise. Nothing more,” he warned.
Tinubu concluded by wishing all aspirants and party members success in the primaries and expressed optimism about working with eventual candidates towards the party’s victory in the general elections.
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