- Osifo declared intention to contest APC presidential ticket in 2027 election
- He rejected claims of backing from Tinubu, challenged proof publicly
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A former presidential aspirant, Stanley Osifo, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress, setting up a potential challenge to President Bola Tinubu.
Osifo announced his decision on Monday during a press conference in Abuja, where he disclosed plans to purchase the party’s ₦100 million nomination and expression of interest forms ahead of the primaries.
His declaration comes amid growing endorsements for Tinubu within the party. All 22 governors elected on the platform of the APC have already backed the President as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 election.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that despite this, Osifo said endorsements do not automatically determine the party’s flag bearer.
He also addressed speculations that he is being backed by the President, dismissing the claims.
He said, “It is not strange to hear people say Tinubu is the one sponsoring me… I can categorically tell you… that I have never benefited one Kobo from him.
“If anybody has proof, let them show the world.”
Osifo stressed that both party rules and electoral laws allow any qualified member to contest for office.
He said, “There is no part of our party constitution that says that if anyone is endorsed, he automatically becomes the candidate of the party.
“INEC law also mandates an aspirant to vie for the ticket of any political office he qualifies for.”
He maintained that while endorsements are part of the political process, they should not discourage other aspirants.
“I am not against the governors or party leaders endorsing anybody… but we all have a constitutional right to pursue our ambitions,” he added.
The APC has scheduled its presidential primary for May 15 and 16, with nomination forms pegged at ₦100 million, comprising ₦30 million for expression of interest and ₦70 million for nomination.
