2027: Incumbency not a threat, says Tinubu’s challenger in APC

The only presidential aspirant challenging President Bola Tinubu for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election, Mr Osifo Stanley, has expressed confidence in his chances of emerging victorious at the party’s primary election.

Osifo spoke on Thursday in Abuja after submitting his completed nomination and expression of interest forms to the leadership of the ruling party.

Advertisements

Addressing journalists after the submission, the aspirant said his nationwide political structures and support base would give him an edge in the contest.

According to him, “We have structures all over the country and the FCT. So, we are ready for the election and willing to do everything necessary for us to triumph in the election.”

Advertisements

Reacting to concerns over contesting against an incumbent president who already enjoys widespread endorsements and a vote of confidence from critical stakeholders within the party, Osifo dismissed the notion that incumbency would determine the outcome of the primary.

“Forget about the power of incumbency. We have heard of many situations before where incumbents were voted out of office due to the wave of elections or other circumstances. So, the issue of incumbency is not what we should be worried about.

“What we should be worried about is how we will work together to make Nigeria a better country,” he said.

The APC presidential aspirant said his decision to join the race was driven by the need to contribute to national development and to demonstrate that the ruling party remains open to all members.

“I strongly believe that, in our society, we have a party that practises democracy — a party that believes in constitutionalism. We are not a party that looks at things the way people see them from outside.

“So, the urge to do it was, first of all, to look at what is happening in the country and make my contributions, especially in areas where we need to work more.
Secondly, it is for Nigerians to also know that the party embraces everybody,” he stated.

On the mode of primary election to be adopted by the APC, Osifo pledged loyalty to the decisions of the party leadership.

“I am a loyal member of my party. I cannot dictate to my party. We have organs of the party that make decisions for us and, as a loyal member, we abide by those decisions. So, whatever the party decides in terms of the mode or pattern of the election we are going to have, I have no objections to it,” he added.

Advertisements