Stanley Osifo, a prominent APC chieftain from Edo State, has officially joined the race for the 2027 presidential ticket. By purchasing the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms, he has signaled his intent to challenge the incumbent, President Bola Tinubu, for the party’s nomination.

The nomination forms, which were obtained for a total fee of N100 million, reflect the party’s high cost of entry. This amount is structured with N30 million designated for the expression of interest and N70 million for the nomination, a standard requirement for aspirants seeking to fly the party’s flag.

Confirming his action, a video was shared by Imran Muhammad, the media aide to the APC National Chairman, showcasing the transaction and acceptance of the forms. This public display effectively formalizes his candidacy and sets the stage for a potentially competitive primary contest within the ruling party.

Addressing the inevitable speculation regarding his motivations, Osifo used a recent press conference in Abuja to distance himself from rumors that he is being sponsored by President Tinubu. He firmly rejected the narrative that he is a “puppet” candidate, asserting that his decision to run is driven entirely by personal conviction and a desire to contribute to the nation.

Osifo further challenged the political atmosphere surrounding the upcoming primaries, noting that growing endorsements for the incumbent do not override the democratic process.

He emphasized that party leaders’ endorsements should not supersede the constitutional provisions that guarantee a fair and open selection process for candidates.

The APC has set the stage for its internal selection process, with the presidential primary elections scheduled to take place on May 15 and 16, 2026. This timeline provides a narrow window for aspirants to campaign and articulate their visions to party delegates and stakeholders across the country.

Looking ahead to the broader electoral calendar, the Independent National Electoral Commission has established that the general elections for the President and the National Assembly will be held on January 16, 2027. Osifo’s entrance into the race adds a notable layer of complexity to the APC’s internal roadmap leading up to these critical polls.