President Bola Tinubu has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to uphold unity, discipline, and sportsmanship as the party commences its nationwide primary elections, warning against actions capable of creating divisions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released to mark the beginning of the APC primaries, the President described the exercise—which begins with House of Representatives contests on May 15 and concludes with the presidential primary on May 25—as a critical moment that would test the strength and cohesion of the ruling party.
According to Tinubu, the primaries are more than a process of selecting candidates, stressing that they reflect the party’s unity, resilience, and shared values.
“The primary elections, kicking off with those for House of Representatives aspirants and ending with the presidential primaries on May 25, 2026, are not mere exercises to produce our standard bearers. They are a referendum on our unity, resilience, and strength as a party. They present an opportunity to renew the bond and ideals that we share,” he stated.
The President commended efforts toward achieving consensus arrangements among aspirants, noting that such moves align with provisions of the Electoral Act and the APC constitution. He described consensus candidacy as a healthy option capable of reducing tension and preventing divisions among party members.
However, he maintained that where consensus is not achieved, aspirants and party members should conduct themselves peacefully and embrace the spirit of healthy competition.
“I urge us all to go into the primaries as brothers and sisters. All participants in the primaries, whether as contestants or voters, must maintain peace and demonstrate sportsmanship in the overall interest of the party and the country,” he said.
Tinubu also warned against bitter political contests and urged party members to avoid actions that could weaken internal harmony.
“We cannot afford rancorous conduct or actions that undermine our democracy and party unity. In every contest, there will always be winners and losers,” he said.
He advised successful aspirants not to celebrate in a manner that humiliates others, while encouraging those who fail to secure victory to remain committed and continue supporting the party.
“I urge winners not to gloat over their victories, while those who lose should take the outcome in good faith and prepare for future opportunities. The true winners are those who choose not to destroy the system but remain committed and prepare for another chance,” he added.
The President further warned that political opponents would seek to exploit internal disagreements within the APC and urged members not to create opportunities for division.
“Our opponents are waiting for us to turn against one another, but we should disappoint them,” he said.
He also directed victorious candidates and party leaders at different levels to extend reconciliation efforts to unsuccessful aspirants in order to preserve unity within the party.
Tinubu called on governors, party leaders, and officials to ensure transparency and fairness throughout the primary process, urging them to rise above personal interests and sentiments.
“You must rise above sentiment and provide a level playing field that guarantees participation without hindrance,” he stated.
The President placed special emphasis on the participation of women and young people in politics, urging voters and party leaders to provide greater opportunities for both groups.
“The inclusion of women and youth is dear to my heart. I appeal to voters and leaders at all levels to give special consideration to these important demographics. We cannot afford to sideline them,” he said.
Tinubu also charged security agencies, especially the police, to remain professional and restrict their activities to maintaining law and order during the exercise.
“Your responsibilities should focus strictly on ensuring a peaceful process. Nothing more,” he stated.
Reaffirming the APC’s foundation on progressive ideals and collective sacrifice, Tinubu expressed confidence that the party would emerge stronger after the primaries and continue building on its achievements ahead of the next general election cycle.
He noted that the principles of selflessness, unity, and commitment had sustained the party through previous elections and urged members to preserve those values as the contest progresses.
Tinubu Urges APC Members to Embrace Unity, Sportsmanship as Primaries Begin
