Fresh tensions have emerged across several states as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) begins its primaries on Saturday ahead of the 2027 general elections, prompting intensified behind-the-scenes consultations among party leaders and allies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The build-up to the primaries has been marked by protests, collapsed consensus arrangements, and allegations of candidate imposition in multiple states, raising concerns about internal stability as the party enters a critical electoral cycle.
Party stakeholders are now working to prevent a wider internal crisis as the primaries progress nationwide, with fears that unresolved grievances could deepen divisions within the ruling party.
In response to the growing tension, President Tinubu has appealed to members, aspirants, and party leaders to maintain discipline and sportsmanship throughout the exercise.
In a statement issued on Thursday ahead of the House of Representatives primaries, Tinubu described the process as more than a selection of candidates, calling it a test of the party’s unity and resilience.
“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.
He warned that internal rancour would weaken the party and benefit opposition forces, urging members to avoid what he described as “do-or-die politics.”
“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,” he added.
Tinubu also encouraged the use of consensus arrangements where possible, describing them as a way to reduce friction among aspirants, especially where agreements have already been reached at the state level.
He further directed party leaders and governors to ensure fairness and provide a level playing field for all aspirants, stressing the importance of transparency in the process.
“You must rise above sentiment to offer all aspirants a level playing field that guarantees participation without let or hindrance,” the President stated.
He urged unsuccessful candidates to channel grievances through party redress mechanisms rather than resorting to actions that could destabilise the process.
The President also called for greater inclusion of women and youth in the primaries, describing them as essential demographics that must not be sidelined in the political process.
Security agencies deployed for the exercise were instructed to maintain neutrality and limit their role to ensuring peace and order during the primaries.
The APC primaries, which begin with House of Representatives contests, are expected to continue through the presidential primary scheduled for May 25, 2026, under the Electoral Act 2026 framework.
Observers say the outcome of the primaries could significantly shape the party’s cohesion and readiness ahead of the 2027 elections.
