A trader from Edo state, Osifo Stanley, has joined the 2027 presidential race on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), after purchasing N100 million expression of interest and nomination forms to challenge incumbent President Bola Tinubu.
The development signals an early contest within the ruling party, coming just hours after allies of the president procured the same forms on his behalf ahead of the party’s presidential primary scheduled for 23 May.
Stanley, described as a trader, completed the purchase of the forms Tuesday at the Sheraton Hotel in Abuja, positioning himself as the first aspirant to publicly declare interest in the race against an incumbent.
His move was disclosed in a video shared on X by Imran Muhammad, senior special assistant on new media to the APC national chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda.
The announcement came shortly after the forms for Tinubu were purchased by James Faleke, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ikeja Federal Constituency of Lagos State.
Stanley had earlier hinted at his ambition during a press conference in Abuja, where he pushed back against suggestions that the president was sponsoring his candidacy.
“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,” he said.
He argued that both the APC constitution and Nigeria’s electoral laws guarantee the right of any qualified member to contest for office, regardless of endorsements.
“There is no part of our party constitution that says that if anyone is endorsed, he automatically becomes the candidate of the party,” he added, noting that provisions of the law empower aspirants to seek party tickets freely.
(Premium Times)