Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for unity, fairness, and sportsmanship among members of All Progressives Congress as the ruling party begins its nationwide primaries for the 2027 general elections.
In a State House statement issued on Thursday, President Tinubu described the commencement of the party’s fourth election cycle as a historic milestone, noting that the APC was founded on progressive ideals, consensus-building, and sacrifice.
He urged members to uphold those principles throughout the primaries.
The President said the primary elections are more than a process to select candidates, describing them as a test of the party’s unity, resilience, and strength.
He encouraged leaders at all levels to embrace consensus where possible, in line with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act, to reduce tension and promote cohesion.
Tinubu stressed that where consensus arrangements fail, party members should approach the primaries peacefully and with mutual respect.
He cautioned aspirants and delegates against rancorous conduct, urging winners to remain humble and losers to accept outcomes with maturity while making use of established appeal mechanisms.
He also directed governors and party leaders to ensure a fair playing field for all aspirants, warning against bias and sentiment.
According to him, those who emerge victorious should extend reconciliation to unsuccessful contestants to strengthen party unity ahead of the national elections.
The President further appealed for greater inclusion of women and youths, describing them as vital demographics that must not be sidelined in the political process. He also urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to remain neutral and focus strictly on maintaining peace during the exercise.
Meanwhile, the APC announced an adjustment to its primary timetable, postponing the House of Representatives primary election from Friday to Saturday, May 16, 2026.
In a statement, the party said only the House of Representatives primaries were affected, while all other scheduled contests remain unchanged.
The revised APC primary timetable is:
- House of Representatives — Saturday, May 16, 2026
- Senate — Monday, May 18, 2026
- State House of Assembly — Wednesday, May 20, 2026
- Governorship — Thursday, May 21, 2026
- Presidential — Saturday, May 23, 2026
The party’s presidential primary is expected to conclude the exercise, with President Tinubu expressing optimism that the process will produce candidates capable of securing victory for the APC in the 2027 general election.
