President Bola Tinubu has been declared the winner of the 2026 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election. The president's victory was announced by the governor of Delta state, Sheriff Oborevwori, who served as the collation officer for the APC Presidential primary in the state.
According to Oborevwori, President Tinubu scored 407,646 votes, while his challenger, Stanley Osifo, also hails from the south-south region, where Delta State belongs. Delta would be the third state in the South South region that Osifo lost to President Tinubu in the ruling party presidential primary.
This latest defeat marks a significant setback for Osifo, who has now lost three states in his home region to the incumbent president. The APC primary has been closely watched as a key indicator of party unity and support for Tinubu's re-election bid.
Reactions to the Primary Outcome
Political analysts note that Tinubu's strong performance in Delta, a state traditionally considered a stronghold for opposition parties, demonstrates his widespread appeal within the APC. The president's campaign team has expressed confidence in securing the party's nomination ahead of the general election.
Meanwhile, Osifo's camp has not yet issued an official statement regarding the results. However, sources close to the challenger indicate that they may challenge the outcome, citing alleged irregularities during the voting process.
Implications for the 2026 Elections
The APC primary results in Delta could have far-reaching implications for the party's strategy in the south-south region. With Tinubu winning decisively, the party may consolidate its support in the area, which is crucial for winning the presidency.
Observers will be watching closely as the APC prepares for its national convention to formally ratify the primary results. The party is expected to rally behind Tinubu as its candidate for the 2026 presidential election.
