By JKNewsMedia
UNITY and SPORTSMANSHIP formed the core of President Bola Tinubu’s message to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the party’s primaries for the 2026 general election.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that President Tinubu stated that the APC, founded on the principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, personal devotion and sacrifice, was preparing for its fourth election cycle since formation.
He described the primaries beginning with House of Representatives aspirants and ending with the presidential primaries on May 25, 2026, as more than exercises to choose standard bearers.
“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,” he stated.
He also said party leaders at various levels had initiated discussions to produce consensus candidates in line with the Electoral Act 2026 and the party constitution.
He stated that the consensus option would help reduce rancour and bad blood among party members and encouraged members to make use of the process to achieve a seamless exercise and strengthen unity within the party.
“Election is an essential ingredient of democracy. Where consensus fails, I urge us all to go into the primaries as brothers and sisters,” he stated.
The President urged contestants and voters to maintain peace during the exercise and warned against conduct capable of damaging 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,” he stated.
He then urged winners and party leaders to extend olive branches to unsuccessful aspirants and cautioned against what he described as do or die politics.
“Politics should never be a zero sum game. Any candidate that wins does so for all of us as a party,” he stated.
He also called on party leaders, governors and stakeholders to provide a level playing field for all aspirants.
“While only one person will win for every seat contested, we should give eventual losers the satisfaction of a fair contest,” he stated.
Tinubu further appealed to party members to give special consideration to women and youths during the primaries, stating that the party could not afford to relegate the two demographics.
He also directed the Police and other security agencies to remain professional during the exercise and focus strictly on ensuring peaceful conduct.
“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,” the President stated.
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