Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a sweeping directive to all members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the party begins its primary elections nationwide, urging aspirants and voters to eschew rancour, embrace consensus where possible, and avoid any form of do‑or‑die politics that could undermine party unity. In a statement personally signed and released on Thursday, May 14, 2026, Tinubu described the primaries, which kick off with House of Representatives aspirants on Friday, May 15, and culminate in the presidential primary on May 25, as a referendum on the party’s unity, resilience and strength. “They are not mere exercises to produce our standard bearers,” the president said. “They are a referendum on our unity, resilience and strength as a party. They present an opportunity to renew the bond and ideals that we share.”
The president began his address by expressing pride in witnessing what he called a historic moment in the annals of the APC. Recalling the party’s formation, Tinubu noted that the APC was founded on the firm principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, and personal devotion and sacrifice. “This principle of selflessness and devotion has seen us go through each election cycle and come out firmer together. We must consolidate on it as we go into the primaries tomorrow,” he said. His remarks come as the party prepares for its fourth election cycle since its formation in 2013, a period that has seen the APC win the presidency twice and maintain control of a majority of states.
Acknowledging that conversations to produce consensus candidates have been initiated at various levels, Tinubu described this option as commendable and capable of reducing rancour and bad blood among party members. He noted the impressive progress already made in this regard and encouraged members to make the most of the window to ensure a seamless process and a more unified party. However, he was quick to add that where consensus fails, aspirants must go into the primaries as brothers and sisters. “All participants in the primaries, as contestants or voters, must keep the peace and be ready to play as sportsmen and women in the overall interest of the party and our country,” the president stressed.
The president warned against rancorous conduct or the debasement of democracy and party unity. He reminded members that in every contest there will be a winner and a loser, and he urged winners not to gloat in victory while asking losers to show sportsmanship by taking things in their stride and preparing for another time. “The ultimate winners are those who don't choose to wreck the boat but rather work to prepare for another round,” Tinubu said. “Our opponents are waiting for us to be against each other; we should disappoint them.” He further directed winners and party leaders at all levels to reach out to those who did not succeed with olive branches, insisting that politics should never be a zero‑sum game. “Any candidate that wins does so for all of us as a party,” he said. “Those who lost out have the opportunity to appeal to the party's committees set up for redress.”
Tinubu also addressed party leadership, governors, and other leaders directly, urging them to be fair and just. “You must rise above sentiment to offer all aspirants a level playing field that guarantees participation without let or hindrance,” he said. “While only one person will win for every seat contested, we should give eventual losers the satisfaction of a fair contest.” This statement appears aimed at calming tensions in states where controversies have erupted over screening disqualifications and allegations of favouritism, particularly in Rivers, Kwara, and Gombe.
The president reiterated that the inclusion of women and youth is dear to his heart. He appealed to voters in the primaries and leaders at all levels to give special consideration to women and youth in the contest. “We cannot afford to relegate the two significant demographics of our population,” Tinubu said. The statement reflects the party’s ongoing efforts to address criticism over the underrepresentation of women and young people in elective positions, though it stopped short of mandating quotas.
Finally, the president turned his attention to security agencies. He directed the Police and other security operatives to remain professional and avoid acting as interlopers during the exercise. “Your duties strictly centre on ensuring peaceful exercise. Nothing more,” Tinubu said. This warning comes amid concerns that security personnel may be deployed to manipulate primary outcomes in favour of preferred candidates, a practice that has drawn sharp criticism in previous election cycles.
The president’s statement was released just hours before the first primaries are scheduled to hold across the country. House of Representatives aspirants will go to the polls on May 15, followed by Senate primaries on May 18, State House of Assembly primaries on May 20, governorship primaries on May 21, and the presidential primary on May 25. The party has adopted direct primaries as the default mode, though consensus arrangements are permitted where all aspirants voluntarily step down in favour of a single candidate. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the 2027 general election for January 16 (presidential and National Assembly) and February 6 (governorship and state assemblies).
Reactions to the president’s address have been largely positive, with many party members expressing hope that his direct intervention will de‑escalate tensions and ensure a peaceful primary process. Political analysts noted that Tinubu’s emphasis on fairness and unity is strategically timed, as the APC faces a resurgent opposition that has consolidated under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Any internal crisis could undermine the party’s chances in the 2027 general election. The president’s closing words were simple: “I wish all our aspirants and party members good luck and a successful outing. I look forward to working with the victorious aspirants for the success of our great party in the general election.”
As the primaries begin, the challenge for the APC will be to translate Tinubu’s words into action. The party’s ability to conduct credible, transparent, and peaceful primaries will be a major test of its internal democracy and could determine whether it enters the 2027 election cycle united or fractured. For now, the president has spoken, and the nation watches.
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