Tension in APC as Tinubu Sends Strong Message to Aspirants

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on aspirants and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to maintain peaceful conduct as the party kicks off its nationwide primary elections in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

In a statement he released on Thursday, Tinubu characterised the start of the APC primaries as a significant milestone for the ruling party, emphasising that this event marks the party’s fourth election cycle since its establishment.

The President highlighted that the APC was founded on key principles such as progressive politics, consensus democracy, personal sacrifice, and a commitment to party unity.

“We founded the All Progressives Congress on the firm principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, and personal devotion and sacrifice. This principle of selflessness and devotion has seen us go through each election cycle and come out firmer together,” he stated.

Tinubu acknowledged ongoing efforts by party leaders to produce consensus candidates in line with the Electoral Act and the APC constitution.

According to him, the consensus arrangement remains a commendable option capable of reducing rancour and internal division within the party.

“I note the impressive progress made in this regard and encourage fellow party members to make the most of this window to ensure a seamless process and a more unified party,” the President said.

He, however, stressed that where consensus fails, aspirants should approach the primaries with sportsmanship and avoid conduct capable of threatening party unity.

The President warned aspirants against adopting “do-or-die” politics, urging winners to be magnanimous in victory and losers to accept outcomes in good faith.

“In every contest, there will be a winner and a loser. I urge the winners not to gloat in victory and the losers to show sportsmanship by taking things in their stride and preparing for another time,” he said.

“The ultimate winners are those who don’t choose to wreck the boat but rather work to prepare for another round. Our opponents are waiting for us to be against each other; we should disappoint them.”

Tinubu further urged successful aspirants and party leaders to extend olive branches to aggrieved members after the primaries.

“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,” he added.

The President also appealed to APC governors and party leaders to ensure fairness throughout the primary process.

He urged leaders to provide a level playing field for all aspirants regardless of political affiliations or interests.

“To the party leadership, our governors, and other leaders, I urge you to be fair and just. You must rise above sentiment to offer all aspirants a level playing field that guarantees participation without let or hindrance,” he stated.

Tinubu noted that even though only one aspirant would emerge victorious in each contest, unsuccessful aspirants should leave the process convinced that fairness prevailed.

The President also made a strong appeal for greater participation of women and young people in the party’s electoral process.

“The inclusion of women and youth is dear to my heart. I appeal to voters in the primaries and leaders at all levels to give special consideration to our women and youth in the contest,” he said.

“We cannot afford to relegate the two significant demographics of our population.”

Tinubu equally cautioned security agencies against interfering in the APC primaries beyond maintaining law and order.

He urged the police and other security agencies to remain professional during the exercise.

“Your duties strictly centre on ensuring peaceful exercise. Nothing more,” he warned.