Nigeria: Tinubu’s unity plea as APC primaries begin

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has sounded a note of caution and unity as the All Progressives Congress (APC) kicks off its nationwide primaries. In a statement marking the commencement of the exercise, Tinubu urged party members to prioritize unity and sportsmanship, warning against rancorous conduct that could undermine the party’s strength ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Describing the primaries as “a referendum on our unity, resilience and strength as a party,” Tinubu emphasized the need for APC members to come together and support one another. The primaries will run from May 15 for House of Representatives contests to May 25 for presidential polls, and Tinubu’s call for unity is seen as a bid to ensure a smooth and peaceful process.

As the party’s leader, Tinubu’s appeal for consensus and fair play is expected to set the tone for the primaries, which will determine the APC’s candidates for the upcoming elections. With the party facing challenges and criticisms, Tinubu’s emphasis on unity is a timely reminder of the importance of cohesion and solidarity in achieving success.