President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday defended the conduct of the 2026 primaries of the All Progressives Congress, describing the exercise as proof of strong internal democracy within the ruling party amid growing tensions over power struggles and leadership claims inside the APC.
Tinubu made the remarks after participating in the APC presidential primaries at Ikoyi-Obalende Ward L2 in Lagos, where he insisted that the party’s internal processes remained transparent, peaceful, and inclusive despite mounting political disagreements among key party figures.
The President arrived at the venue alongside First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and was received by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos APC Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole, former Finance Minister Wale Edun, and 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,” Tinubu stated.
“It shows that we have internal democracy and it’s peaceful and well organised.”
Tinubu’s comments come against the backdrop of renewed internal debates within the APC following explosive remarks by former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, who recently challenged Tinubu’s repeated claims that he singlehandedly delivered former President Muhammadu Buhari’s historic 2015 election victory.
Amaechi, who served as Director-General of Buhari’s 2015 presidential campaign, insisted that the victory was achieved through collective efforts within the APC and not by any one political figure, reopening long-standing rivalries over the ownership of the party’s political success.
Against that backdrop, Tinubu on Saturday praised governors and party officials for effectively handling the primaries from ward congresses to delegate accreditation and validation exercises across the federation.
“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.
The President reiterated that the APC remained committed to transparent and inclusive democratic processes rooted in grassroots participation, adding that strong internal structures were necessary for political stability and democratic development.
Tinubu also commended electoral officials, party leaders, and security agencies for ensuring peaceful conduct of the exercises nationwide, while urging Nigerians to continue supporting democratic institutions and national unity.
The latest developments have further intensified conversations about internal power blocs, succession battles, and the future direction of the APC ahead of the 2027 general election.
Amid Rising Internal Tensions Over Party Democracy, Tinubu Praises APC Primaries
