By Terver Samuel 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has advised leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress to allow democratic primary elections in areas where consensus arrangements cannot be achieved ahead of the 2027 political cycle.

The president also appealed to party members to maintain unity, peace, and discipline during the internal selection process.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress across the country to conduct primary elections wherever consensus arrangements fail among aspirants.

The directive was contained in a statement issued Thursday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, the president urged party members participating in the primaries either as contestants or delegates to conduct themselves peacefully and uphold democratic values throughout the process.

Tinubu warned against actions capable of creating division within the party, stressing that internal disputes and rancorous conduct could weaken both party unity and the nation’s democratic system.

“Election is an essential ingredient of democracy. Where consensus fails, I urge us all to go into the primaries as brothers and sisters,” the president stated.

He further appealed to aspirants to accept the outcome of the process in good faith.

“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.

The president also cautioned against internal conflicts that could benefit opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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

The statement comes amid increasing political consultations and early alignments within the APC as stakeholders prepare for the next electoral cycle.