President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on governors and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to provide a level playing field for all aspirants participating in the party’s nationwide primaries, while also urging members to give special consideration to women and youths seeking elective offices.
In a statement released from the State House on Thursday ahead of the commencement of the APC primaries, the President described the exercise as a defining moment for the ruling party as it prepares for another election cycle.
Tinubu said the primaries, which begin with House of Representatives contests and end with the presidential primary on May 25, 2026, should serve as a test of the party’s unity, resilience and democratic ideals. 
The President praised ongoing efforts by party leaders to adopt consensus arrangements in some areas, noting that such moves could help reduce tension and strengthen unity within the party.
“I note the impressive progress made in this regard and encourage fellow party members to make the most of this window to ensure a seamless process and a more unified party,” he stated.
However, Tinubu stressed that where consensus arrangements fail, aspirants and party members must conduct themselves peacefully and embrace democratic competition with sportsmanship.
According to him, elections remain a vital part of democracy and should not degenerate into bitterness or division among party members.
“In every contest, there will be a winner and a loser. I urge the winners not to gloat in victory and the losers to show sportsmanship by taking things in their stride and preparing for another time,” the President said.
He warned against the return of “do-or-die politics,” adding that politics should not be treated as a zero-sum game.
The President also appealed to victorious candidates and party leaders to reconcile aggrieved aspirants after the primaries by extending “olive branches” to them in the interest of party cohesion.
Addressing governors and party stakeholders directly, Tinubu urged them to rise above personal interests and sentiments in managing the primaries.
“To the party leadership, our governors, and other leaders, I urge you to be fair and just. You must rise above sentiment to offer all aspirants a level playing field that guarantees participation without let or hindrance,” he said.
Tinubu further emphasized the importance of inclusion, particularly for women and youths, whom he described as critical demographics in the nation’s political future.
“The inclusion of women and youth is dear to my heart. I appeal to voters in the primaries and leaders at all levels to give special consideration to our women and youth in the contest,” he added.
The President also cautioned security agencies, especially the police, to remain neutral and professional throughout the exercise.
He said their responsibility should be limited to maintaining peace and ensuring orderly conduct during the primaries.
Tinubu concluded by wishing all aspirants and party members success in the exercise and expressed optimism that the party would emerge stronger ahead of the general elections.
