President Bola Tinubu on Thursday cautioned members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against engaging in infighting and “do-or-die” politics as the party commences its nationwide primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement personally signed by him on the commencement of the APC primaries nationwide, Tinubu urged aspirants, party leaders and delegates to conduct themselves peacefully while upholding the principles of internal democracy, fairness and sportsmanship.

The President described the primaries, beginning with those for House of Representatives aspirants and ending with the presidential primary on May 25, 2026, as crucial 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 approach the exercise as an opportunity to strengthen party unity rather than create 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, as contestants or voters, must keep the peace and be ready to play as sportsmen and women in the overall interest of the party and our country,” he stated.

Tinubu also warned against actions capable of undermining democracy and party cohesion, stressing that winners should avoid triumphalism while losers should accept the outcome 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 encouraged APC leaders across the country to embrace consensus arrangements where possible, noting that the option could help reduce tension among party 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.

Tinubu further called on party leaders and governors to ensure fairness by providing a level playing field for all aspirants.

“To the party leadership, our governors, and other leaders, I urge you to be fair and just. You must rise above sentiment to offer all aspirants a level playing field,” he said.

The President also appealed for greater inclusion of women and youths in the party’s political process.

“The inclusion of women and youth is dear to my heart. I appeal to voters in the primaries and leaders at all levels to give special consideration to our women and youth in the contest,” he stated.

Tinubu equally cautioned the Police and other security agencies against interfering in the primaries beyond maintaining law and order.

“Your duties strictly centre on ensuring peaceful exercise. Nothing more,” he warned.

The President wished all aspirants success and expressed optimism that the APC would emerge stronger after the primaries.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election under the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement.

The governor made this known at a rally held at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the state capital, amid a growing political realignment in the state involving factions of the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“I, Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, Excellency, announce my candidacy for the position of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

Makinde had earlier led the Taminu Turaki faction of the PDP in Oyo State to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the APM as part of a strategic alliance for the forthcoming elections.

Under the agreement, candidates of the PDP faction contesting for governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly seats are expected to run on the platform of the APM rather than the PDP in the 2027 elections.

More to come…

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, may formally declare his presidential ambition during a rally billed for the ancient Mapo Hall in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area of the state, on Thursday.

The event, tagged “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026,” is expected to serve as the official launch of Makinde’s anticipated 2027 presidential bid, alongside the unveiling of a political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement in the state.

Aside from declaring his presidential bid, Makinde is also expected to unveil aspirants seeking state and national elective positions on the platform of the APM.

Recall that there was a wave of resignations by political officeholders in the state, especially those seeking positions in the 2027 elections, from the PDP to the APM.

Among those expected to be unveiled on the APM platform are former Commissioner for Finance in the state, Bimbo Adekanmbi, as the party’s governorship candidate; Stanley Olajide, Olufemi Ajadi, and Shina Peller as senatorial candidates.

House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates of the party are also expected to be unveiled.

The declaration rally is expected to be preceded by the signing of an agreement between leaders of the APM and the Taminu Turaki faction of the PDP on the terms of the alliance.

A credible PDP source said, “We will sign forms of alliance with APM, involving its national chairman and our own side, led by Taminu Turaki.

“Governor Seyi Makinde will declare his presidential bid on the platform of the APM.”

Ahead of Thursday’s rally, preparations have intensified, with party leaders from both camps expected to begin arriving in Ibadan on Wednesday.

Another source said, “The May 14 rally is expected to attract political stakeholders, youth groups, community leaders, traditional supporters, and allies from across the country, particularly individuals believed to align with Governor Makinde’s leadership style and political vision.

“Although the governor is yet to make an official public statement regarding his intention to contest the presidency in 2027, support groups and political associates have continued to intensify calls for him to join the race.

“Several grassroots mobilisers, political associates and loyalists of the governor are reportedly making strategic moves as consultations over a broader political structure continue to gather momentum.”

The sources added that the moves formed part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening grassroots structures across the state and beyond while consolidating Makinde’s growing influence within the national political space.

Recall that Makinde, following a January 2026 meeting with President Bola Tinubu, reaffirmed his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party, advocated for a “bipartisan approach” to governance in Nigeria’s national interest, particularly on issues like security and poverty.

He stressed that bipartisanship does not mean defecting to the All Progressives Congress.