….Urges party leaders to ensure fairness and level playing field
….Calls for greater inclusion of women, youths in contests
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed the consensus option for the forthcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, urging party members to avoid violence and divisive politics as the ruling party begins the process of selecting candidates for the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the president described the commencement of the APC primaries as a defining moment for the party ahead of its fourth electoral cycle since assuming power at the federal level.
Tinubu said the APC was founded on the principles of progressive politics, sacrifice, selflessness and consensus-building, stressing that the internal contests should reflect those ideals rather than degenerate into hostility and acrimony.
According to him, the primary elections, which are expected to begin with the House of Representatives contests and conclude with the presidential primary on May 25, represent more than the emergence of party candidates.
He noted that the exercise would serve as a test of the unity, strength and resilience of the ruling party at a critical political period.
The president commended efforts already made by party leaders in several states and constituencies to adopt consensus arrangements, describing the move as consistent with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and the APC constitution.
Tinubu maintained that consensus remains one of the most effective mechanisms for reducing tension and rancour within political parties, especially during highly competitive electoral processes.
“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,” the president said.
He, however, acknowledged that consensus might not be possible in every contest and advised party members to conduct themselves peacefully where direct primaries become necessary.
The president urged aspirants, delegates and supporters to see themselves as members of one political family and to prioritise the overall interest of the party above personal ambition.
“Election is an essential ingredient of democracy. Where consensus fails, I urge us all to go into the primaries as brothers and sisters,” Tinubu stated.
He warned politicians against returning to what he described as the “old order” of bitter and destructive politics, insisting that political competition should never become a do-or-die affair.
The president further advised aspirants to embrace sportsmanship, saying victory and defeat are both inevitable aspects of democratic contests.
Tinubu cautioned winners against arrogance and excessive celebration, while encouraging losers to accept outcomes in good faith and prepare for future opportunities.
“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 added.
The president also directed APC leaders, governors and stakeholders to ensure fairness and impartiality throughout the exercise.
According to him, party leaders must rise above personal interests and sentiments in order to provide all aspirants with equal opportunities and a level playing field.
Tinubu equally appealed for greater inclusion of women and youths in the party’s internal electoral process, noting that their participation remains important to the future of the APC and Nigeria’s democracy.
“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 said.
The president also called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to remain professional and neutral during the primaries, warning against undue interference in the process.
He stressed that the responsibility of security agencies should be limited to maintaining peace and order during the conduct of the primaries across the country.
Political observers believe Tinubu’s message is aimed at preventing internal crises within the APC ahead of the 2027 elections, especially amid growing competition for key elective positions in several states and constituencies.
