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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Edo APC Chieftain Buys N100m Presidential Form to Challenge Tinubu

From The Punch · (4m ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Stanley Osifo, a former presidential aspirant from Edo State, has purchased the N100 million nomination and expression of interest forms for the All Progressives Congress presidential ticket in 2027.
  • Osifo aims to challenge President Bola Tinubu, dismissing claims that his ambition is sponsored by the incumbent.
  • He asserts that party leader endorsements do not supersede constitutional provisions for candidate selection and remains undeterred by growing support for Tinubu.

In a bold move that signals a potential challenge to President Bola Tinubu's bid for a second term, Stanley Osifo, a former presidential aspirant from Edo State, has acquired the N100 million nomination and expression of interest forms for the All Progressives Congress (APC). This purchase positions Osifo as a contender for the party's presidential ticket in the 2027 general elections, a move that underscores the internal political currents within Nigeria's ruling party.

It is not strange to hear people say Tinubu is the one sponsoring me. Even when I wanted to run against Buhari in 2019, I was told the current president was bankrolling me. I can categorically tell you, as I stand before you today, that I have never benefited one Kobo from him. Thank God Asiwaju is still alive till today. If anybody has proof, let them show the world. So, I am not worried about such an insinuation.

— Stanley OsifoOsifo addressed claims linking his presidential ambition to President Tinubu, asserting his independence.

Osifo has been vocal in dispelling any notions that his presidential ambition is a mere proxy play or that he is being bankrolled by President Tinubu. He emphatically stated that he has never received financial support from the president, challenging anyone with contrary evidence to present it. This assertion aims to establish his independent political standing and the genuine conviction behind his pursuit of the nation's highest office.

I am declaring interest and running for this ticket because of the strong conviction that I have. I have not been found wanting in any area or sanctioned for doing anything related to anti-party activities.

— Stanley OsifoOsifo explained his motivation for seeking the APC presidential ticket.

Furthermore, Osifo has articulated a stance that emphasizes adherence to constitutional processes over the influence of endorsements. He argues that while party leaders may rally behind certain candidates, these endorsements do not override the fundamental rules governing candidate selection. This perspective suggests a focus on democratic principles and a potential critique of the prevailing endorsement culture within political parties. His determination remains firm, undeterred by the significant support President Tinubu currently enjoys within the APC, indicating a willingness to engage in a robust primary contest.

Endorsements by party leaders do not override constitutional provisions guiding candidate selection.

— Stanley OsifoOsifo emphasized his belief in constitutional processes over endorsements.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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