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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye (Abuja) and Lukman Olabiyi (Lagos)
President Bola Tinubu has declared that high participation during staggered primaries has boosted his resolve to intensify service.
He described the grassroots participation as both an encouragement and a challenge to do more for the people.
“I’m just excited,” he told reporters, reflecting on scenes from ward and local government congresses to delegate accreditation exercises around the country, and noted that he is challenged to do more.
The President framed the primaries not only as a demonstration of internal democracy but also as a source of renewed mandate from party members. “This is politics, grassroots politics, where every member of the party has a right to participate and be involved,” he said; adding, “It’s to ensure that we have an internal democracy and it’s peaceful and well‑organised.”
When asked whether he was satisfied after giving state governors the authority to organise primaries in their states, he said he was “very, very satisfied,” praising the conduct from the local congresses through to certification of results. “They’ve done well in their various states,” he added. “At least, you will score in democracy at a high level.”
The President said further: “When people come out in numbers like this, it gives you more energy to work harder, to meet their expectations.”
In Lagos President Tinubu, yesterday easily won in the primary election held at Ward L2, Eti-Osa, Lagos, polling 4,996 votes amid tight security and a massive turnout of party supporters.
The exercise, held at Ireti Nursery and Primary School, Mekwen Street, Queens Drive, Eti-Osa Local Government Area, was conducted peacefully as party members queued to reaffirm support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Tinubu, who is seeking the APC ticket for a second term, contested the primary alongside businessman Sterlyn Osifo, prompting the conduct of a direct primary election to determine the party’s standard bearer.
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The president arrived at the venue around 11:35 a.m., shortly after the accreditation of voters had been concluded.
Among top APC leaders present at the exercise were Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, APC Lagos State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, and party chieftain Kola Peregrino.
Addressing party faithful before voting commenced, Ojelabi praised members for their loyalty and peaceful conduct throughout the exercise.
“The rewards of your loyalty to the party will yield proceeds in due course. Today, we are here to re-elect the candidate of your choice. Let Nigerians know that APC is the best party in Nigeria,” he said.
At the end of the exercise, the ward returning officer, Martha Adikwu, announced that Tinubu secured 4,996 votes out of the 5,163 registered voters in the ward.
Meanwhile, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the APC presidential primary election on Lagos Island as peaceful, orderly and transparent.
Speaking with journalists after casting his vote alongside his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, at Ward E3, St. Stephen’s (WAEC) School, Lagos Island, the governor commended party officials, delegates and security personnel for ensuring a smooth process.
According to him, the exercise reflected the internal democratic culture of the ruling party.
Sanwo-Olu noted that representatives of the other aspirant and party officials were present during the process to ensure transparency.
“The peaceful conduct of members at the polling unit demonstrates the maturity and unity within the party ahead of future electoral activities,” the governor stated.
He also appreciated party faithful and members of the media for their orderly conduct during the exercise.
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