The All Progressives Congress (APC) officially commenced its nationwide presidential primaries on Saturday, marking a major political milestone as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu cast their votes in Lagos. The exercise, which drew party officials, delegates, supporters, and observers from across the country, is expected to shape the ruling party’s strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
President Tinubu arrived at his polling unit in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State early in the day, accompanied by security personnel and senior party members. The President was received by enthusiastic supporters who chanted party slogans and waved banners in support of his second-term bid. Shortly after casting his vote, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, also participated in the exercise, reinforcing the significance of the day for the ruling party and signaling unity within the APC leadership.
The commencement of the primaries nationwide has been described by party leaders as a demonstration of internal democracy and political stability within the APC. Across several states, accredited delegates gathered to cast their votes for the party’s preferred presidential candidate, while electoral officials supervised the process to ensure transparency and orderliness.
Speaking after casting his vote, President Tinubu expressed confidence in the democratic process and praised party members for their dedication to strengthening the APC. He emphasized that the primaries represented a critical opportunity for the party to reaffirm its commitment to democratic values and national development.
According to him, the APC remains focused on consolidating the achievements recorded under his administration while preparing for the challenges ahead. He noted that Nigeria’s democratic growth depends on credible internal political processes and called on all party members to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the exercise.
The First Lady also addressed journalists briefly after voting, describing the primaries as a proud moment for the APC and an indication that the party remains united despite differing political interests. She commended party supporters for their enthusiasm and urged them to continue supporting democratic institutions.
Political analysts have noted that the Lagos voting exercise carries symbolic weight, given President Tinubu’s longstanding political influence in the state and his status as one of the APC’s founding leaders. Lagos has remained a stronghold of the ruling party and continues to play a central role in shaping its national political direction.
Reports from across the country indicate that voting commenced peacefully in most states, although minor logistical delays were recorded in a few locations. Electoral materials reportedly arrived late in some areas, causing temporary disruptions, but party officials moved quickly to address the issues and ensure the process continued smoothly.
In Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Rivers, and other politically strategic states, delegates turned out in significant numbers to participate in the process. Security agencies maintained a visible presence around voting centers to prevent disturbances and guarantee the safety of participants.
Party stakeholders have largely expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the primaries so far. Several governors and senior APC leaders commended the National Working Committee for organizing what they described as a transparent and inclusive process.
APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje praised delegates for their discipline and reaffirmed the party’s readiness to present a united front for the next election cycle. He stated that the primaries are not just about selecting a candidate but about reaffirming the APC’s shared vision for Nigeria’s future.
“This exercise demonstrates our collective belief in democratic principles and our determination to continue building a stronger Nigeria,” Ganduje said while addressing party members in Abuja.
Opposition parties, however, have continued to monitor developments closely, with some critics questioning whether the process will produce genuine competition within the ruling party. Some political observers argue that President Tinubu’s dominance within the APC makes his emergence as the party’s candidate almost certain, potentially limiting the competitiveness of the primaries.
Despite such concerns, APC officials insist that every eligible aspirant has been given a fair opportunity to participate and that the process remains open and credible.
Supporters of President Tinubu argue that his administration’s economic reforms, infrastructure projects, and anti-corruption initiatives justify a second-term mandate. They point to progress in areas such as power sector reforms, road construction, and digital innovation as evidence of effective leadership.
Critics, however, maintain that economic hardship, inflation, and insecurity remain pressing issues that must be addressed more aggressively. They argue that the primaries provide an opportunity for reflection on the administration’s performance and the direction of the country.
As results from various states begin to emerge, political observers expect President Tinubu to secure overwhelming support from delegates, positioning him strongly for the 2027 presidential race.
For many APC members, the primaries are more than just a routine political exercise. They represent a test of the party’s cohesion and its ability to maintain public confidence amid growing political competition nationwide.
The successful conduct of the nationwide exercise could strengthen the APC’s image as a disciplined political organization capable of managing internal contests peacefully. Any significant disputes or irregularities, however, could create cracks within the party and provide ammunition for opposition campaigns.
For now, the mood within APC circles remains optimistic, with celebrations already breaking out in several locations as early results suggest strong backing for President Tinubu.
As Nigeria watches closely, the outcome of the APC presidential primaries is expected to set the tone for the broader political contest that will define the nation’s democratic future in the years ahead. The participation of President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu in Lagos has already underscored the high stakes of the process and reaffirmed the ruling party’s determination to remain at the center of Nigeria’s political landscape.