President Bola Tinubu has endorsed the consensus option ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections, while cautioning party members against engaging in “do-or-die politics”.
In a statement released on Thursday, Tinubu described the commencement of the APC primaries as a significant milestone as the ruling party prepares for its fourth election cycle.
The president said the APC was built on the ideals of progressive politics, consensus democracy, sacrifice, and selflessness.
“We founded the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the firm principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, and personal devotion and sacrifice,” he said.
Tinubu stated that the primaries, beginning with the house of representatives elections and ending with the presidential primary on May 25, would test the unity and strength of the party.
“The primary elections, kicking off with those for House of Representatives aspirants tomorrow and culminating in the presidential primaries on May 25, 2026, are not mere exercises to produce our standard bearers,” he said.
“They are a referendum on our unity, resilience and strength as a party.”
The president added that moves by party leaders to adopt consensus candidates in some areas were in line with the Electoral Act 2026 and the APC constitution.
He described consensus as a positive approach that could minimise internal disputes 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 seamless process and a more unified party,” he said.
Tinubu urged members to maintain peace in places where consensus fails and direct primaries become necessary.
“Election is an essential ingredient of democracy. Where consensus fails, I urge us all to go into the primaries as brothers and sisters,” he said.
“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.”
The president also warned against divisive political conduct and encouraged aspirants to embrace sportsmanship.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu advised victorious aspirants not to boast over their wins and urged those who lose to accept the outcome 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 appealed to party leaders and governors to ensure fairness throughout the exercise by providing equal opportunities for all aspirants.
“To the party leadership, our governors, and other leaders, I urge you to be fair and just,” he said.
“You must rise above sentiment to offer all aspirants a level playing field that guarantees participation without let or hindrance.”
Tinubu also called for greater inclusion of women and youths during the primaries.
“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 said.
He further directed the police and other security agencies to remain professional during the process.
“Lastly, 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.