President Bola Tinubu has given his tacit support for the consensus option ahead of the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections, firing a warning to members of the ruling party against do-or-die politics.
In a statement sent out on Thursday, the President labelled the start of the primaries as a historic era for the progressives party as it readies itself for its fourth election cycle.
Tinubu informed party faithful that APC was instituted on the principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, sacrifice, and selflessness.
“We founded the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the firm principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, and personal devotion and sacrifice”.
The president noted that the APC primaries, starting with the house of representatives and concluding with the presidential primary on May 25 will test
the unity and resilience of the ruling party.
“The primary elections, kicking off with those for House of Representatives aspirants tomorrow and culminating in the presidential primaries on May 25, 2026, are not mere exercises to produce our standard bearers.
“They are a referendum on our unity, resilience and strength as a party.”
The president said efforts by leaders of the party to produce consensus candidates in some areas aligned with the Electoral Act 2026 and the APC constitution.
He described consensus as a gracious option capable of dousing fight among party members.
“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 said.
The president appealed to members of the party to maintain peace, where consensus arrangements fail and direct primaries become inevitable.
“Election is an essential ingredient of democracy. Where consensus fails, I urge us all to go into the primaries as brothers and sisters,” Tinubu said.
“All participants in the primaries, as contestants or voters, must keep the peace and be ready to play as sportsmen and women in the overall interest of the party and our country.”
The president also warned against politics of division and appealed to aspirants to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship.
“We should not play the politics of old, the do-or-die politics that we have put behind us. Politics should never be a zero-sum game,”
The president tasked winners not to mock the losers and appealed to eventual losers to accept defeat without bitterness.
“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,” he said.
In conclusion, Tinubu said, “To the party leadership, our governors, and other leaders, I urge you to be fair and just”.
