President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday hailed the ongoing 2026 All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries as a strong reflection of internal democracy, praising party members and officials for conducting what he described as a peaceful and well-organised exercise across the country.
The President stated this after participating in the APC Presidential Primaries at Ikoyi-Obalende Ward L2 in Lagos State.
Tinubu, who arrived at the venue alongside the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was received 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 top party leaders.
Speaking shortly after casting his vote, the President commended party members for their orderly conduct, enthusiasm, and commitment to democratic ideals, describing the exercise as a clear demonstration of grassroots participation within the ruling party.
“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 said.
“It shows that we have internal democracy and it’s peaceful and well organised,” he added.
The President also expressed satisfaction with reports from various states on the conduct of the primaries, applauding governors, party officials, and electoral committees for ensuring credible processes from the ward level to delegate accreditation and validation exercises.
“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,” the President stated.
“It has been done very well, and with this, you could rate democracy at a high level,” he added.
Tinubu reiterated that the APC remained committed to transparent, inclusive, and participatory democratic processes that allow members at the grassroots to freely choose their leaders and representatives.
According to him, active participation by party members remains critical to strengthening democratic institutions and sustaining political development in the country.
The President further praised electoral officials, party leaders, and security agencies for ensuring the peaceful conduct of the exercise nationwide, while urging Nigerians to continue supporting democratic institutions and national unity.
Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to democratic governance, political stability, and policies aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians.
The President noted that his government would continue to pursue reforms and programmes designed to strengthen national cohesion and deepen public confidence in democratic leadership.
