…Urges APC to Go for Primaries “Only When Consensus Fails”
By Yinka Giwa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged members of the All Progressives Congress to embrace consensus arrangements ahead of the party’s nationwide primaries, saying direct primaries should only be pursued where such agreements fail.
Tinubu, in a statement personally signed on Thursday ahead of the commencement of APC primaries nationwide, warned party members against internal divisions and rancorous conduct that could weaken the ruling party before the general elections.
The primaries are scheduled to begin on Friday with House of Representatives elections and end on May 25 with the presidential primary.
According to the president, the APC’s internal electoral process is more than a mere selection exercise, describing it as a test of the party’s unity, resilience, and political strength.
“I am pleased to witness this historic moment in our party. The party we formed just yesterday is entering its fourth election cycle,” Tinubu said.
He noted that the APC was built on the principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, sacrifice, selflessness, and personal devotion, urging members to preserve those ideals as the party heads into another election season.
Tinubu specifically commended party leaders and stakeholders for efforts to produce consensus candidates in line with the Electoral Act 2026 and the APC constitution.
He said consensus arrangements remained the best option for reducing bitterness, rancour, and internal conflict within the party.
The president, however, acknowledged that where consensus could not be achieved, members should approach primaries peacefully and with a sense of brotherhood.
“All participants in the primaries, whether contestants or voters, must keep the peace and act as sportsmen and women in the party’s interest,” he said.
Tinubu also warned winners against triumphalism and urged unsuccessful aspirants to remain loyal to the party and accept outcomes in good faith.
“Our opponents are waiting for us to fight each other; we should disappoint them,” the president said.
“Winners should reach out to those who did not succeed.”
The president further called for greater participation of women and youths in the party’s internal democratic process, describing both groups as critical to the APC’s future.
He also urged the police and other security agencies to remain professional during the primaries and confine their roles strictly to maintaining peace and order.