President Bola Tinubu has urged leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Nigeria to hold primary elections in any constituency where consensus cannot be reached, emphasizing the importance of peaceful and democratic processes within the party. The directive, issued through his Special Assistant on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, comes as the APC prepares for upcoming internal elections ahead of the 2027 general elections. Tinubu stressed that the party must uphold democratic principles and avoid internal conflicts that could weaken its national standing.
In his statement, the president called on all participants in the primaries — whether as candidates or voters — to conduct themselves with integrity and respect. He urged them to approach the process as “brothers and sisters,” fostering unity and mutual respect. Tinubu warned against rancorous behavior, noting that such actions could undermine both party cohesion and the broader democratic fabric of the country. He emphasized that elections are not just political exercises but essential components of a healthy democracy.
The president acknowledged that every election will have winners and losers, but he urged the victors not to celebrate triumph in a manner that humiliates or alienates their opponents. Equally, he called on those who do not win to demonstrate sportsmanship, accept the outcome gracefully, and prepare for future opportunities. “The ultimate winners are those who don’t choose to wreck the boat but rather work to prepare for another round,” Tinubu said, highlighting the importance of long-term party strength over short-term victories.
He also pointed out that political opponents are closely watching the APC’s internal dynamics, hoping to exploit any signs of division. Tinubu urged party members to “disappoint them” by demonstrating unity, discipline, and maturity. The message is clear: internal harmony must be preserved, even in the face of competition. The APC leadership is expected to implement this directive as they move toward state and national primaries in the coming months.
This call from the president comes at a crucial time for the party, as it seeks to maintain its dominance in Nigerian politics. With the 2027 elections on the horizon, the APC’s ability to manage internal contests without fracturing will be a key indicator of its readiness. Tinubu’s leadership in guiding the party through this process could shape its future trajectory and influence national politics in the years ahead.
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