President Bola Tinubu has called on All Progressives Congress (APC) members to embrace peace and sportsmanship as the party commences nationwide primary elections, warning that rancorous conduct and do-or-die politics have no place in the exercise.
Tinubu made the call in a statement issued from the State House on Thursday, as APC primaries for House of Representatives seats kicked off across the country, with the presidential primary scheduled to hold on May 25, 2026.
Reflecting on the party’s founding ideals, the President said the APC was built on the principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, and personal devotion and sacrifice values he said had sustained the party through successive election cycles.
“We founded the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the firm principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, and personal devotion and sacrifice,” he said, adding that the primaries represent “a referendum on our unity, resilience and strength as a party.”
Tinubu acknowledged ongoing efforts by party leaders to produce consensus candidates in line with provisions of the Electoral Act (2026) and the APC constitution, describing the approach as commendable for its potential to reduce divisions within the party.
He, however, urged members to approach the primaries in a spirit of brotherhood where consensus efforts fall short.
“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,” the President said.
He warned that the party’s opponents were counting on internal divisions, urging members not to oblige them.
“Our opponents are waiting for us to be against each other; we should disappoint them,” he said.
Tinubu directed party winners and leaders at all levels to extend olive branches to those who lost out, stressing that any candidate who wins does so on behalf of the entire party. He also reminded unsuccessful aspirants that the party had set up committees for redress through due process.
The President placed special emphasis on inclusion, appealing to voters and leaders to give deliberate consideration to women and youth in the primaries, describing their participation as essential to the party’s future.
He also issued a stern warning to security agencies, directing the Police and other forces to remain strictly professional during the exercise.
“The Police and other security agencies must remain professional and avoid acting as interlopers during this exercise. Your duties strictly centre on ensuring peaceful exercise. Nothing more,” he said.
Tinubu wished all aspirants and party members a successful outing, expressing hope of working with the eventual winners in the general election.
About The Author
