APC threatens to suspend aspirants undermining primaries

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The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has warned aspirants seeking elective positions on the party’s platform ahead of the 2027 elections against acts capable of undermining the integrity of the primary elections, stressing that offenders risk immediate suspension from the party.

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According to a statement released to journalists by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the chairmangave the warning on Monday while addressing aspirants who recently participated in screening exercises conducted by various party committees.

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Ahead of the APC primary elections for various elective positions scheduled to begin with the House of Representatives on May 15, followed by the Senate on May 18, State Houses of Assembly on May 20, governorship elections on May 21, and the presidential primary on May 23, some aspirants have engaged in exchanges that, in recent times, have suggested the possibility of a tense and less peaceful primary process.

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Reacting to the development, the APC national chairman stressed that the party remains committed to transparent, peaceful, credible, and democratic primaries that will further strengthen internal democracy and reinforce the confidence Nigerians continue to place in the ruling party.

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According to the statement, the APC National Chairman “warned that the leadership of the party would not tolerate any act capable of disrupting the smooth conduct of the primaries, noting that any aspirant or supporter found instigating violence, sponsoring unrest, engaging in anti-party activities, or attempting to undermine the integrity of the process would face severe disciplinary measures, including immediate suspension from the party.

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“In every democratic contest, only one person will eventually emerge victorious. What is important is the spirit with which the process is approached. I urge all aspirants to display maturity, patriotism, and good sportsmanship by embracing the outcome of the primaries in the overall interest of the party and our democracy.”

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The APC national chairman also urged all aspirants to regard themselves as ambassadors of the party, noting that their conduct before, during, and after the primaries would reflect the values, discipline, and vision of the APC.

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He also commended President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring the effective conduct of the party’s internal processes.

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Yilwatda noted that Tinubu has consistently devoted significant energy, political goodwill, and leadership capacity towards building a stronger, more united, and forward-looking APC capable of delivering sustainable development to Nigerians.

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He therefore advised aspirants and party stakeholders to align with the President’s vision and avoid any actions or statements that could create division, overheat the political environment, or undermine the progress already achieved under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

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“The Renewed Hope administration is laying a solid foundation for a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria. This is not the time for destructive politics or selfish interests that may put a dent in the remarkable progress that has been achieved,” he said.

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He stated that, despite inheriting significant economic and structural challenges, the Tinubu administration has undertaken bold reforms aimed at repositioning the country for long-term growth, economic stability, and national prosperity.

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He also declared that the administration remains firmly committed to building a resilient economy capable of achieving the ambitious target of a $1tn economy through strategic investments, infrastructure renewal, industrial expansion, agricultural transformation, digital innovation, and energy sector reforms.

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In a related development, a political pressure group, Relax, Tinubu is Fixing Nigeria, has outlined 301 reasons it believes justify the re-election of Tinubu for a second term.

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The group, which recently inaugurated its national headquarters on Nile Street, Maitama, Abuja, said it had produced magazines, calendars, and envelopes detailing 301 achievements recorded by Tinubu since he assumed office.

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The Director-General of the group, Bala Ahmed, said the organisation would intensify awareness campaigns in rural communities while distributing copies of the publications highlighting the President’s achievements over the past two and a half years.

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Ahmed added that the materials would also be circulated across key public spaces, including hotels, churches, mosques, and markets, to ensure wider public enlightenment on the administration’s performance.

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