President Bola Tinubu has urged members of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the party’s nationwide primaries to avoid infighting and shun what he described as “do-or-die” politics as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
In a statement personally signed on Thursday to mark the commencement of the APC primaries across the country, Tinubu called on aspirants, party leaders and delegates to conduct themselves peacefully while adhering to the principles of fairness, sportsmanship and internal democracy.
The President described the primaries — beginning with contests for House of Representatives tickets and ending with the presidential primary scheduled for May 25, 2026 — as vital to the unity and future of the ruling party.
“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 encouraged all contestants to see the exercise as an avenue to strengthen the APC rather than create divisions within its ranks.
“Election is an essential ingredient of democracy. Where consensus fails, I urge us all to go into the primaries as brothers and sisters.
“All participants in the primaries, as contestants or voters, must keep the peace and be ready to play as sportsmen and women in the overall interest of the party and our country,” he stated.
Tinubu also cautioned party members against actions capable of threatening party cohesion and democratic values, while advising both winners and losers to embrace the outcome of the exercise 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 President further backed ongoing moves by party leaders to adopt consensus arrangements where necessary, saying the approach could help reduce tension and bitterness among members.
“I am aware that, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act (2026) and our party’s constitution, leaders at various levels have initiated conversations to produce consensus candidates.
“It is a commendable option that would help in reducing rancour and bad blood among party members,” he added.
Tinubu also appealed to governors, party executives and other leaders to ensure fairness by creating equal opportunities for all aspirants participating in the primaries.
“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,” he said.
The President stressed the need for greater participation of women and young people in the party’s political activities, describing their inclusion as important to him.
“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 stated.
Tinubu equally warned the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies against interfering in the primaries beyond maintaining peace and order.
“Your duties strictly centre on ensuring peaceful exercise. Nothing more,” he warned.
He, however, wished all aspirants success in the exercise and expressed confidence that the APC would emerge stronger after the primaries.