President Bola Tinubu has issued a clear directive to All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders nationwide: primary elections must proceed in any instance where a consensus cannot be reached. The call was made public through a statement released on Thursday by his Special Assistant on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu emphasized that all participants—whether as candidates or voters—should maintain order and conduct themselves with sportsmanship, prioritizing the party’s and nation’s best interests. He stressed that the party cannot afford disruptive behavior or actions that undermine democratic processes and unity.
“Elections are fundamental to democracy. If consensus is not possible, I encourage us to engage in primaries as fellow party members,” Tinubu stated. He reminded everyone that every contest produces winners and losers, urging winners to avoid gloating and losers to demonstrate grace. “The true winners are those who do not seek to destroy but instead prepare for future opportunities. Our opponents are counting on our internal strife; we must prove them wrong,” he added.