A presidential aspirant, Stanley Osifo, has obtained the nomination and expression of interest forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Osifo, a trader from Edo State, picked up the forms on Tuesday and is positioning himself to contest the party’s presidential ticket against Bola Tinubu during the primaries.
He had earlier announced his ambition at a press conference in Abuja, where he revealed plans to acquire the party’s ₦100 million forms, formally declaring his intention to run.
His move comes despite growing support for Tinubu within the APC, with all 22 party governors reportedly backing the President as the preferred candidate for 2027.
However, Osifo argued that endorsements do not automatically determine who emerges as the party’s flagbearer.
Addressing speculation that his ambition is being sponsored by Tinubu, he firmly denied the claims.
“It is not unusual for people to say Tinubu is behind me, but I can clearly state that I have never received a single kobo from him. If anyone has proof, they should present it,” he said.
Osifo emphasised that both party rules and electoral laws give every qualified member the right to contest for any position.
“There is nothing in our party’s constitution that says an endorsed candidate automatically becomes the flagbearer. The law also allows any eligible aspirant to seek nomination for public office,” he added.