Stanley Osifo Throws His Hat Into 2027 APC Presidential Race, Dares Tinubu for Ticket

APC chieftain and entrepreneur Stanley Osifo on Monday declared his intention to contest the All Progressives Congress presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections, becoming one of the first party members to openly challenge President Bola Tinubu for the ruling party’s nomination.

Osifo made the announcement at a press conference in Abuja, saying he plans to purchase the ₦100 million APC nomination and expression of interest forms before the party’s primaries. The presidential primary is scheduled for May 25, while governorship primaries are set for May 23, according to the APC timetable.

His declaration comes at a time when APC governors across the country have been rallying behind Tinubu, endorsing him as their consensus candidate for 2027. Despite the growing momentum around the incumbent, Osifo appeared unfazed, arguing that party endorsements cannot override what the constitution says about candidate selection.

Osifo Fires Back at Sponsorship Claims

One of the loudest questions trailing Osifo’s emergence is whether he has the blessing — or the backing — of Tinubu himself. He addressed the speculation directly at the press conference.

“It is common for people to suggest that Tinubu is backing my ambition… but I have never received financial support from him. Anyone with proof should present it publicly,” Osifo said.

The former presidential aspirant described himself as a loyal party man with no record of anti-party activities, framing his bid as a legitimate democratic exercise within the APC structure rather than a rebellion against the party leadership.

An Uphill Battle

Osifo’s path to the APC ticket is, by any honest measure, steep. Tinubu commands the loyalty of a significant chunk of the party machinery, and governors who typically influence delegate votes have already moved to his corner. But the APC’s internal process — at least on paper — remains open to any qualified member willing to go through the primaries.

Whether Osifo’s declaration translates into a serious challenge or remains a symbolic one will become clearer once he formally procures the nomination forms and builds a delegate structure ahead of the May 25 primary date. For now, his entrance adds an interesting wrinkle to the 2027 conversation inside the APC.

Sources: Times NG, Naija News, The Sun Nigeria