President Bola Tinubu has called on members and aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to conduct themselves peacefully as the party begins its nationwide primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement personally signed on Thursday, the President described the commencement of the primaries as another important milestone for the ruling party, noting that it marks the APC’s fourth election cycle since its formation.
Tinubu said the party was founded on the ideals of progressive politics, consensus building, sacrifice and commitment to unity.
“We founded the APC on the principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy and selflessness. Those values have kept the party strong through every election cycle,” he stated.
The President acknowledged ongoing efforts by party leaders to produce consensus candidates in line with the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution, describing the arrangement as a healthy way to reduce internal conflicts and strengthen unity.
According to him, the progress recorded so far in achieving consensus in some areas was encouraging, and members should take advantage of the process to build a more united party.
However, Tinubu stressed that where consensus arrangements fail, aspirants must approach the primaries with maturity, fairness and sportsmanship.
“In every contest, there must be winners and losers,” he said.
He advised successful aspirants not to mock or intimidate opponents after victory, while urging those who lose to accept the outcome in good faith and remain committed to the party.
“The ultimate winners are those who refuse to destroy the system because of temporary setbacks. Politics should never be a do-or-die affair,” the President added.
Tinubu also appealed to APC governors, party executives and other leaders to ensure fairness and transparency throughout the primary process.
According to him, all aspirants deserve equal opportunities regardless of political alignment or personal interests.
“You must rise above sentiment and provide a level playing field for every aspirant,” he said.
The President noted that even candidates who fail to emerge victorious should still feel convinced that the process was fair and credible.
Tinubu further called for greater inclusion of women and young people in the party’s internal political process, saying both groups remain critical to Nigeria’s future.
“The inclusion of women and youth is very important. We cannot continue to sideline such significant parts of our population,” he stated.
He also warned security agencies against interfering in the APC primaries beyond maintaining peace and order.
Addressing the police and other security operatives, Tinubu said their responsibility during the exercise should remain strictly professional and neutral.
“Your duty is to ensure peaceful conduct of the exercise. Nothing more,” he warned.
