President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the ongoing 2026 All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries across Nigeria as a clear demonstration of internal democracy that is deepening grassroots participation in the ruling party.
The President made the remarks on Saturday after casting his vote at the APC Presidential Primaries held at Ikoyi-Obalende Ward L2 in Lagos. He was accompanied by his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking to party members and journalists at the venue, President Tinubu commended the orderly conduct, enthusiasm, and commitment shown by APC members.
“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,” he said.
“It shows that we have internal democracy and it’s peaceful and well organised.”
The President expressed satisfaction with the way governors had managed the process from ward congresses through local government congresses, delegate accreditation, validation, membership registration, and certification of the electoral process.
“I am very satisfied that Governors have done well in their various states… With this, you could rate democracy at a high level,” he added.
President Tinubu was received at the polling centre by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos APC Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr Jumoke Oduwole, former Minister of Finance Wale Edun, and other senior party leaders.
He praised electoral officials, party executives, and security agencies for ensuring the exercise remained peaceful and credible. He urged Nigerians to continue supporting democratic institutions and national unity.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparent and inclusive democratic processes that allow party members at the grassroots to freely choose their leaders and representatives.
The development comes as the APC conducts nationwide primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections. Party leaders have described the direct participation model as a way to strengthen internal cohesion and give ordinary members greater voice in candidate selection.
The President’s participation in the Lagos exercise was widely seen by supporters as a signal of his continued engagement with the party’s base.
