Former presidential aspirant Stanley Osifo has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), signalling a potential challenge to President Bola Tinubu.
Osifo made the announcement on Monday during a press briefing in Abuja, where he also disclosed plans to purchase the party’s ₦100 million nomination and expression of interest forms ahead of the primaries.
His entry into the race comes amid widespread endorsements for President Tinubu by APC stakeholders, including the 22 state governors who have backed him as the party’s preferred candidate for 2027.
However, Osifo argued that such endorsements do not automatically secure a candidacy, insisting that internal party democracy must still prevail. He also dismissed claims that he is being sponsored by the President, saying he has received no financial or political support from Tinubu and challenged anyone making such allegations to provide evidence.
He further maintained that both the APC constitution and electoral laws allow qualified members to freely contest for party tickets, stressing that endorsements do not override due process.
While acknowledging the right of party leaders to support candidates of their choice, Osifo said he remains committed to pursuing his political ambition.
The APC has scheduled its presidential primary for May 15–16, with the nomination forms set at ₦100 million—₦30 million for expression of interest and ₦70 million for nomination.