Efforts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to build consensus around President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid faced a setback on Monday, as Edo-born politician Osifo Stanley declared his intention to contest the party’s presidential primary.
Stanley becomes the first aspirant to publicly challenge the incumbent ahead of the party’s May 23 presidential convention.
His declaration follows the APC’s March national convention, where governors, National Assembly members, and other stakeholders endorsed Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate. Several state chapters, including Bauchi, Borno, Kebbi, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ekiti, and Lagos, also backed the President, creating the impression of a largely uncontested field.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Stanley confirmed he had requested the party’s account details to pay the required nomination fees, stressing that his ambition is formal and active.
He based his decision on constitutional provisions, stating that every qualified member has the right to contest. He cited both the APC constitution and the Electoral Act 2026 (as amended), arguing that endorsements do not replace the need for a primary election.
According to him, neither party rules nor national law recognise endorsement as an automatic path to candidacy, maintaining that the electoral process must be followed.
On his policy focus, Stanley identified the economy and security as key priorities. He said his agenda aims to address ongoing economic challenges and strengthen national security, which he described as essential to broader development.
