President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday praised the conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) nationwide presidential primary election, describing it as a powerful demonstration of internal democracy within the ruling party.
The President made the remarks after casting his vote at Ikoyi-Obalende Ward L2 in Lagos State.
He noted that the direct primary process has successfully decentralized the political system, bringing decision-making power directly to party members at the local level.
Accompanied by his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the President arrived at the voting center to an enthusiastic reception from party loyalists.
APC primaries: Tinubu commends Governors, hails Party’s internal democracyHe was received by high-ranking officials, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos APC Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and former Minister of Finance Wale Edun.
Reflecting on the peaceful atmosphere at his ward, President Tinubu expressed satisfaction with the high turnout and orderly conduct of voters, framing the exercise as a victory for grassroots politics.
“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. It shows that we have internal democracy, and it’s peaceful and well-organized,” the President said.
The election followed the APC leadership’s decision to utilize the direct primary mode across the country’s 8,809 wards, allowing all card-carrying members rather than a select group of delegates to vote directly for their preferred presidential flag-bearer ahead of the 2027 general elections.
President Tinubu also seized the opportunity to commend state governors and party executives across the federation for their rigorous organizational efforts leading up to Saturday’s exercise.
He lauded the comprehensive preparation involved in managing the nationwide process, from the initial registration stages to final voter certification.
“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.”
“It has been done very well, and with this, you could rate democracy at a high level,” Tinubu said.
Reiterating his administration’s philosophy, the President emphasized that the foundation of sustainable national development relies on inclusive systems that grant everyday citizens a voice in selecting their leaders.
He extended his appreciation to electoral officials, security agencies, and party administrators for ensuring the exercise remained credible and peaceful.
The APC national leadership has announced that the formal collation of results will commence in Abuja, with the official declaration expected on Sunday, May 24, 2026.