President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged members of the All Progressives Congress to uphold peace, fairness and unity as the party begins its nationwide primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu made the call in a State House statement issued on Thursday, May 14, 2026, ahead of the commencement of the APC primaries, which will begin with contests for House of Representatives aspirants and culminate in the presidential primary on May 25, 2026.
The President said the primaries were beyond the selection of candidates, describing them as a test of the party’s unity, resilience and strength.
According to him, the APC was founded on the principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, personal devotion and sacrifice, adding that those values had helped the party remain united through previous election cycles.
Tinubu said ongoing consultations by party leaders to produce consensus candidates were commendable, noting that such arrangements could reduce rancour and tension among members.
He, however, said where consensus fails, aspirants, delegates and party members must approach the primaries with a spirit of brotherhood, sportsmanship and respect for democratic values.
The President warned against rancorous conduct and urged winners not to gloat, while advising those who lose to accept the outcome in good faith and seek redress through the party’s approved appeal mechanisms where necessary.
“We should not play the politics of old; the do-or-die politics that we have put behind us. Politics should never be a zero-sum game,” Tinubu said.
He urged successful candidates and party leaders at all levels to reach out to those who did not win, saying every candidate who emerges from the primaries would represent the collective interest of the party.
Tinubu also appealed to APC governors, party leaders and officials to ensure a fair process by providing all aspirants with a level playing field.
He said although only one person would emerge for each contested seat, aspirants who lose should have the satisfaction that the process was fair and transparent.
The President further called for special consideration for women and young people in the party’s candidate-selection process, saying both groups remain important to Nigeria’s democratic and political development.
Tinubu also cautioned the Police and other security agencies to remain professional during the primaries, stressing that their role should be limited to ensuring a peaceful exercise.
He wished all APC aspirants and members success in the exercise and said he looked forward to working with those who emerge as the party’s candidates in the general election.
