President Bola Tinubu has called on leaders and governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure fairness and transparency during the party’s nationwide primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a personally signed statement released on Thursday, Tinubu urged party stakeholders to provide a level playing field for all aspirants and cautioned members against returning to the era of “do-or-die” politics.
The President stressed that the primaries, which begin with contests for House of Representatives tickets and end with the presidential primary scheduled for May 25, 2026, are crucial to the unity and future of the ruling party.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He appealed to aspirants, delegates and party leaders to approach the exercise with maturity, peace and sportsmanship, describing elections as a vital pillar of democracy.
“Election is an essential ingredient of democracy. Where consensus fails, I urge us all to go into the primaries as brothers and sisters,” he stated.
“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.”
Tinubu also warned against actions capable of threatening internal democracy or weakening party cohesion, urging winners to avoid arrogance in victory while advising those who lose to accept the outcome in good faith.
“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 said.
The President further endorsed consensus arrangements where feasible, noting that the approach could help reduce tension and bitterness among party members.
“I am aware that, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act (2026) and our party’s constitution, leaders at various levels have initiated conversations to produce consensus candidates.
“It is a commendable option that would help in reducing rancour and bad blood among party members,” he added.
Tinubu also pushed for greater participation of women and youths in the party’s political process, urging delegates and party leaders to give them special consideration during the primaries.
“The inclusion of women and youth is dear to my heart. I appeal to voters in the primaries and leaders at all levels to give special consideration to our women and youth in the contest,” he stated.
He equally cautioned the Police and other security agencies to limit their roles to maintaining peace and order during the primaries.
“Your duties strictly centre on ensuring peaceful exercise. Nothing more,” the President warned.
Tinubu expressed confidence that the APC would emerge more united and stronger after the primary elections.
