Bola Ahmed Tinubu recorded a sweeping victory in the All Progressives Congress presidential primaries held across the country on Saturday, defeating challenger Stanley Osifo by wide margins in states where results were announced.
The outcome clears the way for Tinubu to emerge as the ruling party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, with party leaders expected to present him with the APC flag and Certificate of Return in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the presentation ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre following the nationwide collation of results.
Top APC figures, including governors, members of the National Executive Committee, National Working Committee, lawmakers and party stakeholders, are expected to attend the event.
Tinubu, who had earlier secured the backing of the Progressive Governors Forum ahead of the exercise, described the massive support received during the primaries as a call for greater service to Nigerians.
“I’m just excited, they challenge me to do more,” the president said while addressing journalists after voting at Ikoyi-Obalende Ward L2 in Lagos.
The president also hailed the conduct of the primaries as evidence of strong internal democracy within the ruling party, praising party members for their peaceful participation and commitment to the democratic process.
“This is a demonstration of internal democracy, and it has been going on very well according to plan,” Tinubu said. “It shows that we have internal democracy and it’s peaceful and well organised.”
Tinubu arrived at the Lagos voting venue alongside First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and was received by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi, and other senior party leaders.
Results announced across several states showed overwhelming support for the president. In Rivers State, Tinubu polled 208,082 votes while Osifo scored none. Sokoto State delivered 301,000 votes for Tinubu, with Osifo again recording zero votes.
In Abia State, Tinubu secured 161,005 votes against Osifo’s 1,002 votes, while Kwara State returned 310,990 votes for the president and none for his opponent.
Other states also recorded landslide victories for Tinubu, including Imo, Delta, Osun, Kogi, Bayelsa, Zamfara and Gombe states, where the president won by commanding margins.
In Kaduna State, APC members across all 255 political wards unanimously endorsed Tinubu’s bid for a second term ahead of the 2027 elections.
Governor Uba Sani described the affirmation as a reflection of party unity and confidence in Tinubu’s leadership.
Meanwhile, Tinubu reiterated his commitment to democratic governance and nation-building in a statement shared on his X account after participating in the primaries.
“Democracy is not sustained by noise, speculation, or borrowed platforms,” the president stated.
“It is sustained by citizens who show up, party members who believe, institutions that endure, the grassroots, and a political family rooted in the people.”
He added that the APC would remain focused on strengthening democracy, governance and national development as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
