Fresh signs of internal strain have emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC) following moves to present President Bola Tinubu as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
The development comes after an Edo-born politician, Osifo Stanley, publicly declared his intention to contest the party’s presidential primary against the incumbent—an announcement widely seen as a direct challenge to Tinubu’s anticipated re-election bid.
Stanley’s entry into the race follows the APC’s national convention held in March, where governors, members of the National Assembly, and other key 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, reinforcing the perception of a largely uncontested path.
However, speaking to journalists in Abuja, Stanley insisted that endorsements do not override constitutional provisions guiding party primaries. He revealed that he had already taken steps toward formalising his ambition by requesting the party’s account details to pay the required nomination fees.
“I believe strongly that we all have the right to enjoy our constitutionally guaranteed rights to run,” he said, citing both the APC constitution and the Electoral Act 2026.
He argued that no level of endorsement can replace the formal process of a primary election. “There is no part of our party’s constitution that says when people have endorsed you, you automatically become the candidate. The law recognises that anyone can contest,” he added.
Outlining his vision, the aspirant identified the economy and security as his top priorities, describing them as the foundation for national development.
“Our plan is to see how Nigeria can move past its current economic challenges, reset its priorities, and build a more stable future,” he said.
Stanley’s declaration introduces a new dynamic into the APC’s internal politics, raising questions about how the party will manage competing ambitions as preparations for the 2027 elections gather pace.
