Mr. Osifo Stanley, a presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has declared that he remains focused on contesting for the party's 2027 presidential ticket despite recent endorsements for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by key party leaders.
Osifo Speaks After Screening
Osifo spoke on Saturday in Abuja shortly after appearing before the Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda-led National Working Committee (NWC) screening panel. The development comes days after the leadership of the APC publicly backed Tinubu for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections during the submission of expression of interest and nomination forms by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the International Conference Center (ICC), Abuja.
Party Leaders Endorse Tinubu
At the event, party leaders including the Governor Hope Uzodinma-led Progressives Governors' Forum (PGF), the NWC, and National Assembly leadership reaffirmed support for Tinubu's continued leadership. This move has been widely interpreted in political circles as an early endorsement of the President's re-election bid. However, the APC has yet to formally close the race or direct any aspirant to withdraw from the contest.
Osifo's Commitment to Democratic Process
Reacting to the situation, Osifo, who admitted that he was grilled during the screening session, maintained that he remained committed to pursuing his ambition within the framework of the party's constitution and internal democratic process. Ruling out the prospect of stepping down ahead of the May 23 date billed for the presidential primary, he expressed readiness to abide by any decision taken by the party on his aspiration for the top job.
“When your eyes are on the plow, you move on. You don’t look back,” he said. “Whatever position is taken, I’m a party member and I’m expected as a party member to follow party rules and regulations. The party has not told anyone to step down.”
Undercurrents Within APC
His comments underscore emerging undercurrents within the ruling party as consultations and alignments ahead of the APC presidential primary continue to gather momentum. The situation highlights the ongoing internal dynamics as the party prepares for the crucial primary election.
