Meet Stanley Osifo, businessman who challenged Tinubu for APC presidential ticket

As President Bola Tinubu officially received the Certificate of Return and flag as the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential flagbearer for the 2027 election, attention has turned to Stanley Osifo, the businessman-turned-politician who challenged him for the ticket.

Osifo contested against Tinubu despite widespread endorsements for the president to emerge as the party's consensus candidate. In the nationwide direct primary, Tinubu secured a landslide victory with 10,999,162 votes, while Osifo garnered 16,505 votes. Although the outcome was largely anticipated, Osifo's role as the sole alternative candidate has sparked interest in his profile.

Stanley Osifo, also known as Osifo Osayamen Stanley or Chief Stanley Osifo, is a 50-year-old businessman and politician from Edo State. He holds degrees in Christian Religious Studies from Lagos State University (LASU). Osifo is described as an international entrepreneur and trader with interests in various companies, though specific affiliations are not verifiably documented.

This is not Osifo's first foray into presidential politics; he was a presidential aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before the 2019 elections. In 2026, he purchased the APC's ₦100 million presidential nomination and expression of interest forms, signaling serious intent. His campaign, themed “Metamorphosis 2027,” focused on repositioning Nigeria through sustainable growth in economy, security, healthcare, water resources, and regional integration, with a pledge to create wealth and eradicate poverty.

Despite his modest showing in the primaries, Osifo conceded defeat and pledged loyalty to the APC and President Tinubu, stating his participation was driven by personal conviction rather than rivalry. His campaign slogan emphasized a focus on national development and poverty eradication.

“

Metamorphosis 2027