Stanley Osifo, a former presidential candidate from Edo State, has paid N100 million for the All Progressives Congress presidential nomination and expression of interest forms to run on the party’s ticket in the 2027 general elections.
The news was confirmed in a video uploaded by Imran Muhammad, the media adviser to the All Progressives Congress’ National Chairman, on Tuesday, which showed the payment and acceptance of the N100 million forms.
Osifo’s action comes after he announced his intention to run for the APC’s presidential ticket in 2027, setting up a potential challenge to President Bola Tinubu despite growing support for the incumbent.
At a news conference in Abuja on Monday, Osifo denied rumors linking his candidacy to the president, stating, “It is not surprising to hear people say Tinubu is funding me. Even when I intended to run against Buhari in 2019, I was told that the present president was behind 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.”
He added, “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.”
Osifo stated that party officials’ endorsements do not supersede constitutional requirements governing candidate selection and that he is undeterred by growing support for Tinubu within the party.
The APC has scheduled its presidential primary for May 15-16, with nomination forms costing N100 million, including N30 million for statement of interest and N70 million for nomination.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission, party primaries, including the resolution of related disputes, will take place from April 23, 2026, to May 30, 2026, while presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, and governorship and state assembly elections for February 6, 2027.
The commission also stated that campaigning for the presidential and national assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, with governorship and state assembly campaigns beginning on September 9, 2026.
