Politics
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to embrace unity, discipline and sportsmanship ahead of the party’s nationwide primaries.
Tinubu made the call in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja ahead of the commencement of the APC primary elections.
He described the primaries as a referendum on the party’s unity, resilience and strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The president said the APC remained committed to progressive politics, consensus democracy, sacrifice and selflessness.
Tinubu commended party leaders for pursuing consensus arrangements in line with the Electoral Act and the APC constitution.
He said consensus remained a commendable option capable of reducing rancour and strengthening party unity.
The president, however, urged members to maintain peace and fairness where consensus arrangements fail and elections become necessary.
He appealed to aspirants, delegates and party members to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the exercise.
Tinubu advised winners not to gloat and urged unsuccessful aspirants to accept outcomes in the spirit of sportsmanship.
He said party leaders and victorious candidates should reconcile aggrieved members after the primaries.
The president warned against the return of “do-or-die” politics, stressing that politics should not be treated as a zero-sum game.
Tinubu urged governors and party leaders to ensure fairness and provide all aspirants equal opportunities during the primaries.
He also appealed for greater inclusion of women and youths in the party’s electoral process.
The president called on security agencies to remain professional and ensure peaceful conduct during the primaries.
Tinubu wished all aspirants and party members success in the exercise and expressed optimism about the party’s victory in the general election.
Tags: APC Primaries Tinubu unity