Fresh tensions have erupted across several states as the ruling All Progressives Congress commences its primaries on Saturday ahead of the 2027 general elections, forcing party leaders and key stakeholders loyal to President Bola Tinubu to intensify consultations to prevent a full-blown internal crisis.

The primaries were earlier scheduled to begin on Friday (today) with House of Representatives aspirants before it was shifted to Saturday late on Friday night.

The growing unrest, which has triggered protests, collapsed consensus negotiations, and led to accusations of candidate imposition and reconciliation efforts across multiple states, comes as the APC leadership races to preserve party cohesion before the primaries gather momentum nationwide.

Concerned by the situation, President Tinubu has appealed to members, aspirants and party leaders to conduct themselves as sportsmen and women.

He warned that rancorous behaviour would only serve the opposition, and cautioned winners against gloating, while urging losers to accept defeat with grace.

In a personal statement he released on Thursday, the eve of the commencement of House of Representatives primaries, Tinubu said the exercises were not merely platforms to produce standard bearers but a referendum on the APC’s unity, resilience and strength as a party entering its fourth election cycle.

He said, “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.

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