Tinubu harps on selflessness, devotion and unity at APC primaries nationwide

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, urges members of the governing All Progressives Congress to uphold principle of selflessness and devotion as the party commences its primary elections across Nigeria

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has urged the governing All Progressives Congress faithful to uphold the party’s principles of selflessness, devotion and unity as the APC primaries commence across Nigeria.

Tinubu, who noted this in a statement Thursday, May 14, 2026, reminded members of the party the fundamental ideals of the party.

Connectivity: Nigerians consumed 1.42m Terabytes of data March 2026, says NCC

The President also stated: “We founded the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the firm principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, and personal devotion and sacrifice. ”

“This principle of selflessness and devotion has seen us go through each election cycle and come out firmer together.

“We must consolidate on it as we go into the primaries tomorrow.”

He equally said the primary elections, kicking off with those for House of Representatives aspirants Friday, May 15, and culminating in the presidential primaries May 25, 2026, are not mere exercises to produce our standard bearers.

The President noted: “They are a referendum on our unity, resilience and strength as a party.

“They present an opportunity to renew the bond and ideals that we share.”

Tinubu further said: “I am aware that, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act (2026) and our party’s constitution, leaders at various levels have initiated conversations to produce consensus candidates.

“It is a commendable option that would help in reducing rancour and bad blood 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.”

As regards the significance of election as an essential ingredient of democracy, President Tinubu stated: “Where consensus fails, I urge us all to go into the primaries as brothers and sisters.

“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 Nigerian leaders also noted: “We cannot afford rancorous conduct or the debasement of our democracy and party unity.

“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.”

According to him, the ultimate winners are those who don’t choose to wreck the boat but rather work to prepare for another round.

“Our opponents are waiting for us to be against each other; we should disappoint them.

“Winners and party leaders at all levels should reach out to those who did not succeed with olive branches,” stated he.

The President said: “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.

“Any candidate that wins does so for all of us as a party.

“Those who lost out have the opportunity to appeal to the party’s committees set up for redress.”

Addressing the party leaders, he equally noted: “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.

“While only one person will win for every seat contested, we should give eventual losers the satisfaction of a fair contest.”

The President stated: “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.

“We cannot afford to relegate the two significant demographics of our population.”

Tinubu said: “The Police and other security agencies must remain professional and avoid acting as interlopers during this exercise.

“Your duties strictly centre on ensuring peaceful exercise. Nothing more.”

President Tinubu added: “I wish all our aspirants and party members good luck and a successful outing.

“I look forward to working with the victorious aspirants for the success of our great party in the general election.”

Kindly Share This Story