President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday participated in the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential primaries in Lagos, describing the exercise as a strong sign of internal democracy within the ruling party.
The President cast his vote at Ikoyi-Obalende Ward L2 in Lagos State, where party members gathered for the nationwide primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu, who arrived at the venue with the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was welcomed by top party leaders, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos APC Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and former Minister of Finance Wale Edun.
Speaking after voting, the President praised the peaceful conduct of the primaries across the country and commended party members for their discipline, enthusiasm and commitment to democratic principles.
“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,” Tinubu said.
“It shows that we have internal democracy and it’s peaceful and well organised.”
The APC presidential primaries are part of the party’s internal process to select candidates and delegates ahead of future elections. Across many states, party members took part in ward congresses, local government congresses and delegate accreditation exercises supervised by party officials.
Tinubu expressed satisfaction with reports from different states, saying governors and party leaders had ensured the process was properly organised.
“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 stressed that the APC remained committed to transparent and inclusive democratic processes that allow ordinary members at the grassroots level to actively participate in decision-making within the party.
According to him, the involvement of party members at the local level remains important for the growth and stability of democracy in Nigeria.
Tinubu also praised electoral officials, security agencies and party leaders for ensuring that the exercise was peaceful and credible in different parts of the country.
He urged Nigerians to continue supporting democratic institutions and promoting national unity, saying democracy can only survive when citizens actively participate in political processes.
The President further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to good governance, democratic values and policies aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Saturday’s exercise attracted large numbers of APC supporters and party officials at different voting centres across Lagos and other states.
Security personnel were also deployed around voting venues to maintain law and order during the primaries.
The APC, Nigeria’s ruling party, has repeatedly emphasised the importance of internal democracy following criticism by opposition parties and political observers over candidate selection processes in previous elections.
Internal party democracy has remained a major issue in Nigerian politics, with many parties often accused of imposing candidates or sidelining grassroots members during primaries.
Tinubu’s participation in the exercise comes at a time when political activities are gradually increasing across the country ahead of the 2027 elections.
Since assuming office in May 2023, the President has continued to defend his administration’s economic and political reforms despite criticism from opposition parties and some Nigerians over rising living costs and economic hardship.
Supporters of the administration, however, argue that ongoing reforms are necessary to stabilise the economy and strengthen long-term growth.
The APC leadership has also continued efforts to maintain unity within the party amid political realignments and consultations taking place in different states.
Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999 after years of military government, and political parties are expected under the law to conduct democratic primaries for the selection of candidates seeking elective offices.
Over the years, disputes arising from party primaries have led to court cases, defections and internal conflicts within many parties.
Saturday’s APC exercise was therefore seen by party leaders as an opportunity to show the party’s commitment to democratic practices and grassroots participation.
The statement on the President’s participation in the primaries was issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday.