President Bola Tinubu has backed the consensus option ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections, warning party members against do-or-die politics.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Tinubu described the commencement of the primaries as a historic moment for the APC as it prepares for its fourth election cycle.
The president noted that the party was founded on the principles 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 said the primaries, beginning with the house of representatives and ending with the presidential primary on May 25, are a test of the party’s unity and resilience.
“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 said efforts by party leaders to produce consensus candidates in some areas were in line with the Electoral Act 2026 and the APC constitution.
He described consensus as a commendable option capable of reducing rancour 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 party members to remain peaceful where consensus arrangements fail 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 cautioned against divisive politics and urged 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 winners not to gloat and urged losers to accept defeat 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 also asked party leaders to ensure fairness and provide a level playing field 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 appealed to party members to give special consideration to 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 also urged the police and other security agencies to remain professional during the exercise.
“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.
