WorldStage– Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has urged leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to adopt democratic primaries whenever consensus arrangements fail.
He gave the advice in statement where he urged against rancorous behaviour, urging winners not to gloat and losers to accept results in the interest of party unity.
He warned against “do-or-die” politics, encouraging fair play, inclusivity for women and youth, and sportsmanship among contestants as nationwide primaries commence.
The direct instruction from the President requires APC leaders to hold primary elections immediately if a consensus candidate cannot be agreed upon.
The directive aims to ensure democratic fairness, prevent internal party friction, and maintain stability across all chapters of the ruling party.
While favouring consensus to strengthen party unity, the President directed that where it fails, direct or indirect primaries must be held to ensure fair competition.
The President called on party leadership to give special consideration to women and young people in the selection process and instructed security agencies to maintain professionalism and only ensure peace, not to interfere in the electoral process.
The primary elections for the 2027 cycle are scheduled to run from May 15 to May 25, 2026.
The directive aims to curb internal conflict within the party ahead of the general elections.
