Tinubu orders APC primaries where consensus fails

President Bola Tinubu has directed leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to proceed with primary elections whenever a consensus cannot be reached, urging members to maintain party unity ahead of the 2027 polls.

President Bola Tinubu has instructed the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to conduct transparent primary elections in instances where a consensus candidate cannot be agreed upon. In a statement released on Thursday, May 14, 2026, by his Special Assistant on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President emphasized that the party must prioritize the sanctity of the democratic process over administrative convenience. He noted that while consensus is a valid tool for unity, it should not be forced at the expense of members’ rights to choose their representatives, stressing that the party cannot afford any conduct that leads to the debasement of national democracy.

The President called on all contestants and voters to maintain the peace and adopt a spirit of sportsmanship throughout the primary process, regardless of the outcome. He warned that internal friction only serves the interests of political opponents who are looking for cracks within the ruling party’s structure. “Election is an essential ingredient of democracy. Where consensus fails, I urge us all to go into the primaries as brothers and sisters,” the President said. He further reminded members that the ultimate strength of the party lies in its ability to remain cohesive following heated internal contests, rather than succumbing to bitterness or sabotage.

Addressing the inevitable reality of winners and losers, Tinubu urged victors to be humble and encouraged those who do not emerge successful to remain committed to the party’s broader goals. He stressed that the long-term survival of the APC depends on the collective effort to prepare for future challenges rather than immediate self-interest. “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 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,” he stated.

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