Tinubu tasks members to begin APC primaries nationwide – THISAGE

Friends and fellow party members, I am happy to witness this historic moment in the annals of our party. The party we formed just yesterday is preparing for its fourth election cycle. It is a source of pride for me and, I believe, for all our distinguished leaders and numerous members.

We founded the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the firm principles of progressive politics, consensual democracy, personal devotion and sacrifice. This principle of selflessness and devotion has seen us through every election cycle and come out stronger together. We need to consolidate it in view of tomorrow’s primaries.

The primary elections, which begin tomorrow with those for House of Representatives aspirants and culminate with the presidential primaries on May 25, 2026, are not simply exercises in producing our standard-bearers. They are a referendum on our unity, resilience and strength as a party. They represent an opportunity to renew the bond and ideals we share.

I am aware that in line with the provisions of the Election Law (2026) and our party’s constitution, leaders at various levels have initiated conversations to produce consensual candidates. It is a laudable option that would help reduce rancor and bad blood among party members. I note the impressive progress made in this regard and encourage fellow party members to make the most of this window to ensure a smooth process and a more unified party.

Elections are an essential ingredient of democracy. Where consensus fails, I urge all of us to go to the primaries as brothers and sisters. All participants in the primaries, whether as contestants or voters, must maintain peace and be ready to play as sportsmen in the overall interest of the party and our country. We cannot afford rancorous conduct or the debasement of our democracy and party unity.

In every competition there will be a winner and a loser. I urge the winners not to celebrate their victory and the losers to show good sportsmanship by taking things slowly and preparing for another time. The ultimate winners are those who don’t choose to wreck the boat but rather work to prepare for another round. Our adversaries expect us to be against each other; we should disappoint them.

Winners and party leaders at all levels should extend their hand to the unsuccessful with olive branches. We should not follow the politics of the past; the “do or die” politics we left behind. Politics should never be a zero-sum game. Any candidate who wins does so for all of us as a party. Those who have lost have the opportunity to appeal to the party committees established for reparation.

To the party leadership, our governors and other leaders, I urge you to be honest and fair. It is necessary to overcome feelings to provide all aspirants with a level playing field that ensures participation without obstacles or impediments. Even if only one person wins for each contested seat, we should give any losers the satisfaction of fair competition.

The inclusion of women and young people is close to my heart. I appeal to primary voters and leaders at all levels to pay special attention to our women and young people in the race. We cannot afford to relegate the two significant demographics of our population.

Finally, the police and other security agencies must maintain a professional attitude and avoid acting as intruders during this operation. Your duties are strictly focused on ensuring a peaceful exercise. Nothing more.

I wish all our aspirants and party members good luck and a successful outing. I look forward to working with the successful aspirants for the success of our great party in the general elections.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria

May 14, 2026

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