……….As Tinubu Hails APC Internal Democracy After Landslide Victory.
Emmanuel lkpeama
LAGOS, NIGERIA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday 23,May 2026,received overwhelming support from members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the party’s 2026 Presidential Primary Election held at Ward L2, Ireti Primary School, Mekwuen, in Eti Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, in what observers described as a strong demonstration of party unity, grassroots mobilisation, and confidence in his leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The atmosphere at the venue was electrifying as party faithful, supporters, women groups, youth mobilisers, and community leaders trooped out in large numbers, chanting solidarity songs and waving party flags in support of the President.
The massive turnout transformed the exercise into a celebration of democracy and political solidarity, with many supporters describing Tinubu as the unifying force within the APC.
President Tinubu arrived at the venue alongside the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to a heroic welcome from enthusiastic party members who lined up to receive the President amid loud cheers and chants of support.
The primary election was supervised by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who served as the Chief Returning Officer for the exercise.
Also present were Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi; Chairman of the Lagos State APC Primary Election Committee, Alhaji Mutiu Are; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; former Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Dr. Adekunle Olayinka, Secretary of the Local Organising Committee; alongside several party leaders, electoral officials, and stakeholders.
According to the Electoral Officer for Ward L2, Martha Adukwu, the ward recorded a total voting strength of 5,163 members, out of which 4,996 members were successfully verified and openly queued behind President Tinubu during the transparent Option A4 voting process adopted by the party. She disclosed that the second aspirant, Stanley Osifo, recorded no vote in the exercise.
Speaking shortly after the exercise, President Tinubu praised party members for their discipline, peaceful conduct, and unwavering commitment to democratic values, describing the primary election as “a practical demonstration of internal democracy at work.”
The President noted that the APC has continued to distinguish itself as a party built on transparency, participation, and grassroots inclusion, stressing that every member of the party has the constitutional right to freely participate in leadership selection processes.
“This exercise clearly shows that democracy remains alive and active within our party structure. Our members have once again demonstrated maturity, unity, and commitment to the progress of the APC and Nigeria as a whole,” Tinubu stated.
He further commended governors, party executives, electoral officials, and security agencies for ensuring the smooth and peaceful conduct of the exercise across the country, adding that the success of the primary election reflects the growing confidence of Nigerians in the APC’s leadership and democratic processes.
President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic reforms, infrastructural development, youth empowerment, national unity, and policies aimed at improving the welfare and living standards of Nigerians.
Earlier, Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, applauded party members for the impressive turnout and loyalty displayed during the exercise, noting that the overwhelming support for President Tinubu reflects the trust and confidence reposed in his leadership by party members across Lagos State.
Political observers at the venue described the primary election as peaceful, transparent, and historic, noting that the massive mobilisation witnessed in Eti Osa signals strong momentum for the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Many supporters expressed optimism that the unity displayed during the exercise would further strengthen the ruling party’s structure nationwide and consolidate its electoral prospects in the coming polls.