PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on members of the All Progressives Congress to embrace peace, unity, fairness, and sportsmanship as the party commences its nationwide primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement personally signed on Thursday by President Tinubu, the Nigerian leader described the commencement of the primaries as a historic moment for the ruling party as it prepares for its fourth election cycle since its formation.
The President said the party was founded on the principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, personal devotion, and sacrifice, stressing that the ideals had helped the APC emerge stronger after every election cycle.
According to him, the primary elections, beginning with the House of Representatives primaries and ending with the presidential primary scheduled for May 25, 2026, go beyond the selection of candidates and represent “a referendum on our unity, resilience and strength as a party.”
Tinubu acknowledged ongoing efforts by party leaders at various levels to produce consensus candidates in line with the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution, describing the move as commendable and capable of reducing rancour among members.
“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,” he stated.
While emphasizing that elections remain an essential ingredient of democracy, the President urged party members to approach the primaries with a spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood where consensus arrangements fail.
He warned against divisive conduct capable of undermining party unity and Nigeria’s democratic process, noting that every contest would naturally produce winners and losers.
The President advised victorious aspirants against gloating, while encouraging unsuccessful contestants to accept outcomes in good faith and prepare for future opportunities.
“Our opponents are waiting for us to be against each other; we should disappoint them,” he said.
Tinubu further urged party leaders and successful aspirants to extend olive branches to aggrieved members, insisting that politics should not be treated as a zero-sum game.
He also reminded dissatisfied aspirants of the opportunity to seek redress through committees established by the party for dispute resolution.
Addressing governors, party executives, and leaders at all levels, the President called for fairness and justice in the conduct of the primaries, urging them to provide a level playing field for all aspirants.
“While only one person will win for every seat contested, we should give eventual losers the satisfaction of a fair contest,” he stated.
Tinubu also made a strong appeal for greater inclusion of women and youths in the party’s political process, describing both groups as critical demographics that must not be sidelined.
“The inclusion of women and youth is dear to my heart,” the President declared, urging delegates and party leaders to give them special consideration during the primaries.
He equally charged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to remain professional and avoid interfering in the electoral process beyond maintaining peace and order.
The President expressed optimism about the success of the exercise and wished all aspirants and party members a successful outing ahead of the general election.