President Bola Tinubu has emerged as the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general election, securing a landslide victory in the party’s nationwide direct primary election.
The declaration on Sunday marked a major political milestone, formally launching Tinubu’s bid for a second and final term in office and setting the stage for what is expected to be a fiercely contested presidential race in 2027.
Chairman of the APC Presidential Primary Election Committee, Anyim Pius Anyim, announced the results at the party’s national collation centre in Abuja, declaring Tinubu winner after polling 10,999,162 votes. His lone challenger, Stanley Osifo, received 16,503 votes.
The primary election was conducted across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards and 774 local government areas under the APC’s direct primary model, allowing registered party members to vote directly for their preferred candidate.
Party officials described the exercise as a landmark democratic experiment aimed at broadening participation within the ruling party.
Following his victory, Tinubu expressed his appreciation to party members nationwide for their confidence in his leadership and pledged to intensify efforts aimed at promoting economic growth, infrastructure development, and national security ahead of the 2027 polls.
Reuters reported that the victory formally confirms his intention to seek re-election in January 2027.
Political observers say the outcome reflects the APC’s determination to present a united front as preparations begin for the next electoral cycle. Several governors, lawmakers and party stakeholders had publicly endorsed Tinubu before the primary election.
With the APC ticket now secured, attention is expected to shift to opposition parties and potential challengers as the political landscape gradually takes shape ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
