President Bola Tinubu has praised the conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries, describing the nationwide exercise as peaceful, transparent and a strong reflection of internal democracy within the ruling party.
Tinubu spoke on Saturday after taking part in the presidential primary election at Ward L2, Ikoyi II, held at Ireti Primary School on Mekunwen Street in Ikoyi, Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.
Thousands of APC members turned out for the exercise, which was conducted simultaneously across the country as the party began the process of selecting its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
The president applauded party members, governors and officials for ensuring an orderly and hitch-free process nationwide.
“This is a demonstration of internal democracy and it has been going very well according to plan,” Tinubu said after casting his vote.
“This is politics, grassroots politics, where every member of the party has a right to participate and be involved. It is to ensure internal democracy and it is peaceful and well-organised,” he added.
Tinubu also expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation and coordination displayed by APC governors and party leaders ahead of the exercise.
According to him, the processes leading to the primaries were properly managed across the states.
“Today, I am very satisfied that these governors have done well in their various states,” the president stated.
“From the ward congresses to local government congresses, delegate accreditation, validation, members’ register and certification of the electoral process, it has all gone very well.
“At least, you will score democracy at a high level,” he said.
The president further reacted to the large turnout of party supporters at his polling ward, thanking party faithful for their enthusiasm and continued support.
“I’m just excited, they challenge me more,” Tinubu said.
The presidential primaries were held across the APC’s 8,809 wards nationwide under a direct voting system approved by the party leadership.
Under the arrangement, every registered APC member at the ward level was allowed to vote directly for the presidential aspirant of his or her choice.
The process represents a shift from the delegate system previously adopted by the party in selecting its presidential candidates.
Collation of results from the wards is expected to continue at the local government and state levels before final submission to the APC Presidential Primary Election Committee in Abuja.
