Tinubu Wins APC Presidential Primary with Over 10.9 Million Votes
President Bola Tinubu has secured a sweeping victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary, garnering 10,999,162 votes against challenger Stanley Osifo's 16,503 ballots. The exercise, conducted across Nigeria's 8,809 wards, has sparked intense debate over electoral credibility and democratic legitimacy.
Chairman of the Presidential Primary Election Committee, Anyim Pius Anyim, released the state-by-state tally, noting that Tinubu's vote count exceeded his 2023 general election total by over 2.2 million votes. Despite the lack of serious opposition, critics dismissed the figures as unrealistic and potentially damaging to the 2027 general election's integrity.
Critics Question Credibility of Primary Results
Prominent Nigerians, including political economist Pat Utomi, PDP chieftain Kamorudeen Ajisafe, and Ohanaeze leader Goddy Uwazurike, described the vote tally as dangerous for democracy. Utomi warned that persistent electoral manipulation could erode public trust and destabilize governance. Ajisafe cautioned that such developments might push the country into avoidable tension.
Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum President Akin Malaolu argued that the economic hardship and insecurity under the APC administration made such massive turnout implausible. He recalled the controversial 2018 Lagos APC governorship primary, alleging a pattern of inflated figures.
Tinubu Vows to Sustain Reforms Despite Hardship
In his acceptance speech, President Tinubu acknowledged that his administration's reforms have been painful but insisted on continuing them in a second term. He cited fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate reforms, improved revenue generation, and fiscal restructuring as key achievements. Tinubu also highlighted progress in education, power, infrastructure, and oil and gas, including the student loan scheme and highway construction.
He pledged to deepen reforms, expand infrastructure, tackle insecurity, and consolidate economic gains. Tinubu backed the establishment of state police, calling it a national emergency, and accused the opposition of lacking a clear alternative vision.
APC Defends Transparency of Primary Process
APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda defended the credibility of the exercise, stating that accreditation and voting took place across wards, with live broadcasts on five TV stations and online platforms. He acknowledged disputes during collation but said they were resolved openly with aspirants' representatives.
Yilwatda claimed the APC is becoming the preferred political platform, with massive turnout in primaries for various offices. He predicted a dominant performance in the 2027 general election.
Osifo Accepts Defeat, Pledges Support for Tinubu
Stanley Osifo, who polled 16,503 votes, accepted defeat and pledged to work with Tinubu for the party's success in 2027. He described his candidacy as part of a legitimate democratic process and expressed gratitude to supporters. Osifo reportedly scored zero votes in several states, including the FCT.
Analysts Warn of Impact on 2027 Electoral Credibility
Political analysts fear the controversy surrounding the primary figures may deepen public scepticism about Nigeria's democratic process. Uwazurike drew parallels to the collapse of the Second Republic in 1983, warning of potential instability. Utomi emphasized that legitimacy is foundational to governance, and continued manipulation could alienate citizens.
APC Chieftain Urges Action on Hardship and Insecurity
Founding APC member Osita Okechukwu urged Tinubu to leverage the endorsement to address hunger, insecurity, unemployment, and poor power supply. He cited low voter turnout and economic hardship as factors that could weaken the party's electoral fortunes. Okechukwu stressed the need for decisive action before the 2027 elections.
APC Sets Deadlines for Primary and By-Election Results
The APC has announced timelines for submission of primary and by-election reports. Governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly primary results are due by today, while legislative by-election results will be submitted from May 30, 2026.
