President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has heralded the commencement of All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries as a pivotal moment for the party, emphasizing unity, fair play, and sportsmanship.
In a stirring statement, President Tinubu underscored the historic significance of the party gearing up for fourth election cycle, a testament to enduring principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, and personal devotion.
The President articulated that these primaries, which begin with House of Representatives aspirants and culminate in the presidential primaries on May 25, 2026, are more than just a process to select standard-bearers.
They are a profound “referendum on
our unity, resilience and strength as a party,” offering a crucial opportunity to reaffirm shared ideals.
Highlighting efforts to foster harmony, President Tinubu acknowledged the commendable progress made by leaders at various levels in initiating conversations for consensus candidates.
This approach, he noted, is vital in mitigating rancor and fostering a more
unified party. He urged members to leverage this window for a seamless process.
In a powerful appeal for civility, the President implored all participants to approach the primaries as “brothers and sisters,” stressing the importance of peace and sportsmanship.
He cautioned against the “do-or-die politics” of the past, advocating for a political landscape where victory is not a zero-sum game.
Winners are encouraged to extend olive branches to those who did not succeed, and losers are urged to accept outcomes gracefully, preparing for future opportunities.
Tinubu also issued a clear directive to party leadership, governors, and other
influential figures, urging them to uphold fairness and justice.
He called for a level playing field for all aspirants, ensuring participation without hindrance and providing eventual losers with the satisfaction of a fair contest.
A significant aspect of the President’s statement was his heartfelt appeal for the inclusion of women and youth. He implored voters and leaders to give special consideration to these two vital demographics, recognizing their indispensable role in the nation’s progress.
Finally, the President addressed the Police and other security agencies, reminding them of their professional duty to ensure a peaceful exercise and to avoid acting as “interlopers.” Their role, he emphasized, is strictly limited to maintaining peace.
As the APC embarks on this critical phase, Tinubu expressed his optimism,
wishing all aspirants and party members succesw, and looking forward to collaborating with victorious candidates to ensure the party’s triumph in the general election.
