The All Progressives Congress held its presidential primary election on Wednesday, pitting President Bola Tinubu against Osifo Stanley in a contest that will shape the ruling party's choice for the 2027 general election.
Tinubu, seeking a second term in office, faced his most significant rival in Stanley, whose candidacy energised a faction within the party looking for an alternative direction. The primary marked the first serious test of Tinubu's political standing since he won the 2023 election, and observers watched closely for signs of unity or fracture within the APC ahead of the general election.
Voting commenced early in the day across designated centres as party delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory cast their ballots. The exercise proceeded without major disruptions, though observers noted the intensity of campaigns in the weeks leading to the primary.
Results began emerging as voting concluded, with tallying officials processing ballots from each state delegation. The outcome will determine whether Tinubu runs for re-election unopposed within his party or faces a contested general election.
Stanley's strong showing during the primary, if confirmed in final results, signals that the APC will head into 2027 without the kind of unanimous backing a sitting president typically enjoys. Party analysts said this could either galvanise the membership or leave scars that affect campaign momentum.
The APC National Working Committee will ratify the primary results and officially announce the party's presidential candidate for 2027. Political observers expect the final declaration within days, after which the party will pivot to campaign preparation for the general election.
