President Bola Tinubu has urged members of the All Progressives Congress to embrace unity and discipline as the party begins nationwide primaries. The President endorsed the APC consensus primary option while warning against internal rancour and political bitterness during the exercise. He said the APC consensus primary process should strengthen party cohesion and ensure fair participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC has commenced its nationwide primaries covering House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential contests. The process forms part of preparations for the 2027 general elections. The presidential primary is scheduled for May 25, following earlier legislative and state-level exercises. Party leaders have intensified consultations across states as aspirants mobilise delegates and supporters.
Internal party tensions had earlier emerged over candidate selection methods and fears of imposed aspirants. These concerns prompted increased calls for transparent processes and internal democracy from party stakeholders and political observers. Tinubu’s latest intervention comes amid ongoing negotiations among governors, party executives, and aspirants seeking consensus arrangements in several states.
In a statement marking the commencement of the primaries, Tinubu described the exercise as “a referendum on our unity, resilience and strength as a party.” He said the process provides an opportunity to renew shared political ideals within the APC. The President specifically encouraged the use of the APC consensus primary approach where practical and lawful. According to him, consensus arrangements recognised under the Electoral Act and party constitution could help reduce “rancour and bad blood” among members.
Tinubu also urged aspirants and supporters to avoid actions capable of weakening party unity during the contests. He stressed that internal elections should reflect sportsmanship, discipline, and collective responsibility. The APC leadership confirmed that primaries for legislative positions had already commenced nationwide. Screening exercises and internal appeal processes were also concluded in several states before the start of voting activities.
Political stakeholders within the party have continued consultations over consensus arrangements in strategic states. Some governors and party executives reportedly support broader adoption of the APC consensus primary option to minimise post-primary disputes.
Tinubu’s endorsement of the APC consensus primary process signals an attempt to preserve internal stability ahead of the elections. Consensus arrangements may reduce litigation, defections, and prolonged disputes after the primaries. For aspirants, the development increases the importance of negotiations and coalition-building within party structures. It also places greater focus on consultations with governors, delegates, and influential stakeholders.
For the APC, maintaining unity during the primaries is critical to sustaining electoral competitiveness nationwide. Internal divisions during candidate selection have historically weakened political parties during general elections. Political analysts also note that the success of consensus arrangements will depend on transparency and broad acceptance among party members.
