Tinubu urged unity and fair play in the APC primaries

President Bola Tinubu has urged All Progressive Congress (APC) members to uphold unity, fairness and sportsmanship ahead of the national primaries that begin on Friday.

Tinubu made the call in a personally signed statement on Thursday ahead of the APC primaries, starting with the House of Representatives elections and ending on May 25 with the presidential primaries.

The president said the primaries were more than just a candidate selection exercise, adding that they were a referendum on the unity, resilience and strength of the ruling party.

According to him, this process offers members an opportunity to renew their common bonds and commitment to the ideals on which the APC was founded.

“I am happy to witness this historic moment in our party. The party that we just formed yesterday has entered its fourth round of elections,” said Tinubu.

He said the APC was founded on the basis of progressive politics, consensus democracy, personal devotion, sacrifice and selflessness, which sustained it through successive election cycles.

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The President urged members to consolidate these ideals as the party moves on to the national primaries.

He acknowledged the efforts of the party leadership to produce a consensus candidate in line with the 2026 Election Law and the APC constitution.

He described the consensus arrangement as commendable, and said that it could reduce feelings of rancor, bitterness and division among members during the primaries.

President Tinubu encouraged stakeholders to maximize consensus for a smooth process and stronger unity ahead of the general elections.

However, he said if consensus fails, members should approach the primaries peacefully as brothers and sisters committed to the success of the party.

“All participants in the primary election, both contestants and voters, must maintain peace and act as athletes for the benefit of the party,” he concluded.