In a bold move signaling intra-party competition within the All Progressives Congress (APC), prominent Edo State chieftain and entrepreneur, Chief Stanley Osifo, has officially purchased the ₦100 million APC presidential nomination and expression of interest forms ahead of the party’s 2027 primaries.
Osifo, described as an international entrepreneur and former presidential aspirant, made the announcement during a press conference in Abuja on Monday.
His decision positions him as the first known aspirant publicly challenging the emerging consensus around President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid. The APC had earlier seen governors, National Assembly members, and other stakeholders adopt President Tinubu as the preferred candidate following a national convention in March.
Speaking on his decision, Osifo emphasized his commitment to constitutional rights and democratic principles within the party. He invoked both the APC constitution and the Electoral Act, asserting that every qualified member has the right to contest. “I am declaring interest and running for this ticket because of the strong conviction that I have,” he stated, adding that his campaign, tagged “Metamorphosis 2027,” would adopt a grassroots-driven approach starting from his ward in Oluku, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The APC presidential primary is scheduled for May 15–16, 2026, with the party’s presidential convention set for May 23. The nomination form is priced at ₦70 million, while the expression of interest form costs ₦30 million, bringing the total to ₦100 million.
Osifo’s entry into the race has sparked discussions about internal party dynamics, with some reports noting anxiety over access to nomination forms amid efforts to manage a consensus. Despite the wave of endorsements for the incumbent, Osifo remains undeterred, framing his bid as a principled stand for open competition and fresh ideas for Nigeria’s development.
Chief Stanley Osifo is a well-known businessman from Edo State with a track record of political engagement. His 2019 presidential aspiration highlighted his long-standing interest in national leadership.