…Insists on Electoral Act compliance ahead of 2027 polls
…Backs consensus, direct options to strengthen party unity
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure the conduct of free, fair and rancour-free primaries in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
The President issued the directive during a closed-door meeting with APC governors at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, April 23, stressing the need for strict adherence to the Electoral Act and internal party democracy.
Speaking after the meeting at the State House, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Mohammed Bago said discussions centred on strategies to strengthen party cohesion and unity following recent internal processes.
AbdulRazaq, who also chairs the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, noted that the President reaffirmed his confidence in the governors and endorsed the party’s decision to allow states adopt either consensus or direct primaries, in line with provisions of the Electoral Act.
“We came to appreciate Mr President for his continued support. He has given us clear directives to conduct primaries in accordance with the law, either through consensus or direct primaries,” he said.
On his part, Bago disclosed that the President approved the commencement of the primary election process, adding that the timetable had already been released.
He emphasized that the governors were committed to ensuring a transparent process that would leave the party stronger and more united ahead of the 2027 elections.
Governors present at the meeting included Hope Uzodimma, Inuwa Yahaya, Babagana Zulum, Hyacinth Alia, Biodun Oyebanji, and Peter Mbah, while some states were represented by their deputies.
The meeting is seen as a significant step in the ruling party’s efforts to consolidate internal democracy and position itself strongly for the forthcoming general elections.
