President Bola Tinubu has described the ongoing 2026 All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries across the country as proof that the ruling party is allowing its members to fully participate in the democratic process.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the President spoke on Saturday after casting his vote during the APC presidential primaries at Ikoyi-Obalende Ward L2 in Lagos State.
He said the exercise showed that party members at the grassroots level were actively involved in choosing leaders and representatives.
Tinubu arrived at the venue with the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
They were welcomed by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole, former Minister of Finance Wale Edun and other leaders of the party.
The President praised party members for the peaceful manner in which they conducted themselves during the exercise. He also commended their participation and commitment throughout the process.
According to him, the primaries have been organised properly from the ward level to the local government stage. He said governors and party officials in different states handled delegate accreditation, membership registration and other electoral activities in an orderly manner.
Tinubu said the process reflected a healthy democratic system within the APC and showed that every member had the opportunity to be part of decision-making at the grassroots level.
He added that the party would continue to support open and inclusive democratic activities that allow members to freely choose candidates for different positions. He said grassroots participation remains important for the growth of democracy in the country.
The President also applauded electoral officials, party leaders and security agencies for helping to maintain peace during the primaries across the country.
Tinubu further called on Nigerians to continue supporting democratic institutions and efforts to keep the country united and politically stable.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to continuing to promote good governance and policies that would improve the lives of citizens across the nation.
He said: “This is a demonstration of internal democracy, and it has been going on very well according to plan. This is grassroots politics where every member of the party has the right to participate.
“It shows that we have internal democracy and it’s peaceful and well organised.
“I am very satisfied that Governors have done well in their various states, from the ward congresses to Local Government congresses to the delegate accreditation, validation, membership registration and the certification of the electoral process.
“It has been done very well, and with this, you could rate democracy at a high level.”