By Jonathan Nda-Isaiah, James Kwen, Longtong Yakubu, Patrick Ochoga, Kalu Eziyi, Damilola Origbemisuyi, Abdullahi Olesin, Achor Abimaje, Adebayo Waheed, Godwin Enna, Alo Abiola and Emmanuel Mgbeahurike
President Bola Tinubu has warned members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against engaging in “do-or-die” politics as the party begins its nationwide primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections. This comes as APC postponed the House of Representatives primary election for the 2027 general elections to Saturday, May 16, 2026.
APC national publicity secretary, Felix Morka, in a statement yesterday night, however, said the Senate, State Houses of Assembly, Governorship and Presidential primaries remain unchanged.
LEADERSHIP reports that APC fixed Friday, May 15, 2026 for the House of Representatives primary election.
The statement announcing the slight change reads: “The All Progressives Congress (APC) announces the postponement of the House of Representatives Primary Election for the 2027 General Elections to Saturday, 16th May, 2026.
“Previously announced Primary Election dates for the Senate, State Houses of Assembly, Governorship and Presidential primaries remain unchanged.
Tinubu, in a personally signed statement on the commencement of the APC primaries nationwide, urged aspirants, party leaders, and delegates to conduct themselves peacefully and uphold the principles of internal democracy, fairness, and sportsmanship.
The President said the primaries, which would have began today, were critical to the unity and future of the ruling party.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He urged contestants to see the exercise as an opportunity to strengthen party cohesion rather than deepen divisions.
“Election is an essential ingredient of democracy. Where consensus fails, I urge us all to go into the primaries as brothers and sisters.
“All participants in the primaries, whether as contestants or voters, must keep the peace and be ready to act as sportsmen and sportswomen in the overall interest of the party and our country,” he stated.
Tinubu warned against conduct capable of undermining democracy and party unity, noting that eventual winners should avoid gloating while losers should accept defeat 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 encouraged APC leaders across the states to embrace consensus arrangements where possible, saying the option would help reduce rancour among members.
“I am aware that, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act (2026) and our party’s constitution, leaders at various levels have initiated conversations to produce consensus candidates.
“It is a commendable option that would help in reducing rancour and bad blood among party members,” he added.
