APC Presidential Primary Kicks Off: Tinubu Warns Against ‘Do-or-Die’ Politics

The All Progressives Congress kicked off its 2027 presidential primary today, going with direct primaries over the consensus mode that had fuelled weeks of internal debate. President Bola Tinubu, whose screening requirement was waived by the party, addressed the convention and urged party members to keep things civil.

A call for fair play

Tinubu asked all aspirants to see the exercise as a chance to strengthen party unity, warning against “do-or-die” politics. It’s a familiar line in Nigerian political circles, but coming from the incumbent — whose own screening waiver had already raised eyebrows — it landed with extra weight.

The push for direct primaries wasn’t without opposition. Several party chieftains had lobbied for a consensus candidate, saying it would cut costs and reduce internal friction. The NWC, led by chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, held firm.

The stakes

With nomination forms priced at ₦100 million, this is not a contest for the average party member. The APC says every qualified aspirant deserves a fair shot. The convention runs across 8,809 wards nationwide, and the results will shape where the party is headed into 2027.

For Tinubu, this primary is more than a formality. It’s a test of his hold on the party machinery and his ability to present a united front against what could be a tough opposition challenge. The “do-or-die” warning tells you the administration already knows tensions are running beneath the surface.

Sources: guardian.ng, thisdaylive.com, radiokogi.ng