Tinubu Faults Governors Over Primaries, Directs APC Chairman to Tackle Irregularities in Primaries

By AArit Mbeh

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly expressed displeasure over the conduct of some governors in the ongoing APC primaries, warning against actions capable of undermining internal democracy within the party.

According to sources familiar with developments at the APC national office, Tinubu faulted what he described as excessive interference by certain state governors in the selection process of party candidates, insisting that the primaries must reflect fairness, transparency, and the collective will of party members.

The President was said to have directed the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the National Secretary to “do the needful” by ensuring that due process is followed and grievances arising from the primaries are properly addressed.

Tinubu, according to insiders, emphasized the importance of maintaining unity within the ruling party ahead of future electoral contests, stressing that imposition of candidates and abuse of influence could weaken the APC’s democratic credentials.

The development comes amid growing complaints from party stakeholders in several states over alleged manipulation of the process and undue pressure from governors seeking to install loyalists in key positions.

The sources close to President Tinubu, said he reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over how some APC governors handled the party’s legislative primaries across several states.

Tinubu is said to have expressed dissatisfaction during a meeting with some South-West APC leaders at his Lagos Bourdillon residence in Ikoyi.

“He agreed that, although governors were allowed to coordinate party affairs in their states, they were not authorised to impose candidates unfairly.”

He was quoted as emphasizing that: party primaries should be free and fair,
no individual should act as “judge in his own case,” and where proper primaries did not occur, the APC National Chairman and National Secretary had been directed to “do the needful” to restore the party’s integrity.

The source also noted that APC primaries in states including Lagos, Edo, Ondo, Imo, Rivers, Benue, and Adamawa reportedly generated complaints from aspirants alleging irregularities, intimidation, and candidate imposition.