Tinubu To APC Aspirants: “Reject Do-Or-D!e Politics Ahead Of Primaries

According to Ireporter Online, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on aspirants and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to uphold peace, discipline, and internal unity as the party commences its nationwide primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a personally signed statement issued on Thursday, Tinubu described the start of the primaries as a significant milestone for the ruling party, noting that it marks the APC’s fourth electoral cycle since its establishment. He said the party was built on the ideals of progressive governance, consensus-building, self-sacrifice, and unity of purpose.

The President reaffirmed that these founding principles have sustained the party through successive elections and strengthened its cohesion over time. He also commended ongoing efforts by party stakeholders to adopt consensus arrangements in selecting candidates, describing the approach as consistent with the APC constitution and the Electoral Act.

Tinubu said the consensus option, where achievable, remains a valuable mechanism for reducing internal disputes and promoting harmony within the party. He urged members to take full advantage of such arrangements to ensure a smooth and united process.

However, he stressed that in situations where consensus cannot be reached, aspirants must participate in the primaries with maturity, sportsmanship, and respect for party unity. He cautioned against “do-or-die politics,” warning that such practices have no place in modern democratic engagement.

The President further advised that winners should remain humble in victory, while those who lose should accept outcomes in good faith and prepare for future opportunities. He noted that the true strength of the party lies in its ability to remain united even after competitive contests.

Tinubu also appealed to successful aspirants and party leaders to extend reconciliation efforts to aggrieved members after the primaries, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation in maintaining stability.

He called on governors and other party leaders to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all aspirants, insisting that no individual should be disadvantaged during the process. According to him, credibility in internal elections depends on transparency and justice.

The President also emphasized the need to increase the participation of women and young people in the party’s political processes, describing both groups as critical to Nigeria’s democratic future. He urged delegates and leaders to give them fair consideration during the primaries.

Furthermore, Tinubu cautioned security agencies to maintain neutrality during the exercise, stressing that their role should be limited strictly to maintaining peace and order without interference in the electoral process.

He reiterated that the APC must avoid internal divisions that could be exploited by political opponents, urging members to prioritize unity and collective progress over personal ambition.