No More Imposition: Tinubu Returns for APC Primaries, Demands Fair Contest Nationwide
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries taking place today, Saturday, May 15, 2026, in Lagos, in what many political observers describe as a deliberate demonstration of respect for democratic process, electoral law, and internal party accountability.
The President’s arrival follows his major policy statement of May 14, 2026, in which he called on APC leaders nationwide to ensure transparent, peaceful, and credible primaries for all elective positions.
Tinubu described the primaries as “a referendum on our unity, resilience and strength as a party,” stressing that the exercise must strengthen democracy rather than weaken it through imposition or unfair arrangements.
While acknowledging consensus as an option under the party constitution, the President made it clear that where consensus fails, all aspirants must be allowed to test their popularity, grassroots acceptance, and political capital through open primaries.
“Election is an essential ingredient of democracy,” Tinubu declared.
He further warned party leaders against manipulation, favoritism, or denying aspirants fair participation.
“To the party leadership, our governors, and other leaders, I urge you to be fair and just. You must rise above sentiment to offer all aspirants a level playing field,” the President stated.
Political analysts say Tinubu’s personal participation in the presidential primary sends a strong message that no office should be treated as automatic or exclusively reserved for political elites without due democratic process.
The President also cautioned against the return of “do-or-die politics,” urging winners to avoid arrogance and losers to pursue lawful redress rather than destabilize the party.
Observers believe the APC now faces a defining credibility test nationwide, particularly in states where allegations of forced consensus arrangements, intimidation, and candidate imposition have generated tension among party faithful.
Many stakeholders argue that only direct, transparent, and competitive primaries can produce candidates with genuine electoral strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With INEC officials expected to monitor and certify the exercises, pressure is mounting on APC structures across the federation to ensure that every aspirant earns the mandate of the party through a free, fair, and credible contest.
The National Patriots have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for personally returning to Nigeria to participate in the APC presidential primaries, describing the move as a powerful example of respect for democracy, electoral law, and party discipline. The group urged APC leaders nationwide to reject imposition and opaque consensus arrangements, insisting that all aspirants must openly test their political strength, grassroots acceptance, and electoral value through free, fair, transparent, and credible primaries ahead of 2027.
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