President Bola Tinubu described the conduct of the 2026 All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries nationwide as a strong demonstration of internal democracy within the ruling party.
Tinubu stated this on Saturday after participating in the APC Presidential Primaries at Ikoyi-Obalende Ward L2 in Lagos, noting that the exercise has further deepened the democratic process.
The President, who participated in the exercise alongside his wife, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, was received by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Conerlius Ojelabi, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and former Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, among other party leaders.
“This is a demonstration of internal democracy, and it has been going on very well according to plan. This is grassroots politics where every member of the party has the right to participate,” he said.
Commending party members for the orderly and peaceful conduct of the primaries across the states, the President said the process showed that the party has internal democracy.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian leader expressed satisfaction with the role played by the state governors, from ward and local government congresses through to delegate accreditation, membership registration, and the certification of electoral process.
“I am very satisfied that Governors have done well in their various states,” he told reporters. “With this, you could rate democracy at a high level.”
He reiterated that APC remains committed to transparent and inclusive democratic processes that give party members at the grassroots the opportunity to freely choose their leaders and representatives, emphasising that their involvement remains the foundation for sustainable democratic development.
President Tinubu also praised electoral officials, party leaders, and security agencies for ensuring the exercise was conducted peacefully and credibly, and urged Nigerians to continue supporting democratic institutions and national unity.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to democratic ideals, good governance, and policies to improve the welfare of Nigerians while strengthening political stability nationwide.
