President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure that the party’s forthcoming primaries are conducted in a peaceful, transparent, and credible manner.
The directive followed a high-level meeting between the president and APC governors at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, where preparations for upcoming party primaries and broader political strategies were discussed.
Speaking after the meeting, the governors disclosed that Tinubu emphasised the need for unity, internal democracy, and strict adherence to due process in selecting party candidates. He also reiterated his backing for the party’s decision to allow individual states adopt either the consensus method or direct primaries, in line with provisions of the Electoral Act.
According to sources at the meeting, the president stressed that the credibility of the primaries would play a crucial role in strengthening the party’s chances in future elections, urging stakeholders to avoid actions that could trigger disputes or undermine the process.
About 18 APC governors were in attendance, including representatives from Rivers State, Zamfara State, Enugu State, Borno State, Benue State, Kwara State, and Jigawa State, among others.
The governors reaffirmed their commitment to conducting free, fair, and rancour-free primaries, noting that internal cohesion remains critical as the party prepares for the next electoral cycle.
Political observers say the president’s intervention is aimed at preventing internal crises that have historically affected party primaries in Nigeria, while also reinforcing discipline within the ruling party.
The APC is expected to roll out its timetable for primaries in the coming weeks as political activities begin to gather momentum nationwide.
