Tinubu Urges APC Unity in Primaries

President Bola Tinubu urged members of Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress on Thursday to prioritize unity, consensus and sportsmanship as the party's nationwide primaries begin, warning against divisive politics, violence and bitterness that could undermine the party's strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The primaries, which start Friday with contests for House of Representatives seats and culminate in the presidential poll on May 25, 2026, represent a "referendum on our unity, resilience and strength as a party," Tinubu said in the statement. He emphasized the APC's founding principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy and personal sacrifice, noting that these have carried the party through previous election cycles.

Tinubu endorsed ongoing efforts by party leaders to adopt consensus candidates in line with the Electoral Act 2026 and the APC constitution, calling it "a commendable option that would help in reducing rancour and bad blood among party members." Where consensus arrangements fail, he said, primaries must proceed peacefully. "Election is an essential ingredient of democracy. Where consensus fails, I urge us all to go into the primaries as...