By Gideon Maxwell
May 23, 2026
President Bola Tinubu has described the ongoing presidential primary election of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as a strong demonstration of internal democracy, saying the exercise reflects the party’s commitment to grassroots participation and transparent leadership selection.
Tinubu spoke on Saturday after casting his ballot at Ward L2, Ireti Primary School, Ikoyi, Lagos, alongside the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The President said every member of the APC had been given the opportunity to participate freely in the electoral process, describing the exercise as peaceful and well organised.
“It’s been a demonstration of internal democracy, and it has been going very well according to plan,” Tinubu said.
“This is grassroots politics where every member of the party has the right to participate.
“It shows that we have internal democracy and it’s peaceful and well organised.”
Tinubu noted that the conduct of the primaries across states showed that the APC remained committed to democratic principles and inclusive participation at all levels of the party structure.
He expressed satisfaction with the management of the process nationwide, commending governors and party officials for coordinating the exercise from the ward congresses to the accreditation and validation stages.
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“I am very satisfied that governors have done well in their various states, from the ward congresses to local government congresses to the delegate accreditation, validation, membership registration and the certification of the electoral process,” he said.
“It has been done very well, and with this, you could rate democracy at a high level.”
The President also praised electoral officials, party leaders and security agencies for ensuring an orderly and credible process nationwide.
Tinubu further reiterated his administration’s commitment to democratic ideals, good governance and policies aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians while strengthening political stability across the country.
The President arrived at the polling venue to cheers from supporters, governors, party stakeholders and APC officials gathered for the nationwide presidential primary.
In May 2025, the Progressive Governors Forum, PGF, endorsed Tinubu as the sole candidate of the APC for the 2027 presidential election.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, chairman of the forum, announced the endorsement during the APC summit in Abuja, saying the governors were united in supporting Tinubu’s second term bid.
