The All Progressives Congress (APC)’s push to present President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a consensus candidate for the 2027 presidential election has encountered a fresh challenge, following the declaration of an aspirant ahead of the party’s May 23 convention.
An Edo-born politician, Osifo Stanley, on Monday announced his intention to contest the party’s presidential primary, becoming the first member to openly oppose the incumbent’s anticipated re-election bid within the APC.
Stanley’s declaration comes despite earlier endorsements of Tinubu by APC governors, National Assembly members and party stakeholders at the party’s March convention, as well as subsequent backing by several state chapters.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the aspirant said he had already taken steps to formalise his ambition, including requesting the party’s account details to pay nomination fees.
He insisted that his decision was rooted in constitutional provisions, stressing that endorsements cannot replace due process.
“I believe strongly that we all have the right to enjoy our constitutionally-guaranteed rights to run,” he said.
“There is no part of our party’s constitution that says when people have endorsed you, or when anyone has been endorsed, you automatically become the candidate of the party.
“There is no such law in our party’s Constitution. There is no such law in Nigeria that endorsement is a pathway to becoming the candidate. The party Constitution recognises that you can come out to run. INEC law also recognises that you can come out to run,” he added.
Stanley outlined his proposed agenda, placing economic recovery and national security at the centre of his campaign.
“Our plan is to see how Nigeria can get out of lingering economic tension, metamorphose and set our priorities,” he said.
He maintained that addressing economic challenges and improving security would form the foundation for broader national development if given the party’s ticket.