Nigeria: Tinubu wins APC presidential primary in landslide, secures party ticket for 2027
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria
President sweeps 8,809 wards nationwide as APC leaders hail exercise as proof of internal democrac Presidents secured the All Progressives Congress presidential ticket for the 2027 general election after winning the party’s nationwide primary in a landslide victory over sole challenger Stanley Osifo.
The exercise, held across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards on May 25 2026, produced overwhelming support for Tinubu, with party leaders describing it as a clear endorsement of his leadership and administration.
According to collated results from state party structures, Tinubu polled over 8.2 million votes nationwide. Osifo recorded only marginal votes in a few states, including 1,007 in Abia, five in Bayelsa, and one in Edo, his home state.
Party officials said the process was largely peaceful and recorded high turnout of APC members across states. From Lagos to Borno, Kebbi to Delta, and Kaduna to Rivers, governors, ministers, lawmakers, and party stakeholders mobilized support for the president’s re-election bid
Tinubu voted at Ikoyi-Obalende Ward L2 in Lagos alongside his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. He was received at the polling unit by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, APC Lagos Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole, and former Finance Minister Wale Edun.
Speaking after casting his ballot, the president said the primary demonstrated the APC’s commitment to grassroots participation and internal democracy.
“This is a demonstration of internal democracy, and it has been going on very well according to plan. This is grassroots politics where every member of the party has the right to participate,” Tinubu said.
He commended APC governors for overseeing the process in their states, noting that the exercise covered ward congresses, local government congresses, delegate accreditation, membership validation, and certification.
“I am very satisfied that governors have done well in their various states. With this, you could rate democracy at a high level,” he added.
APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who voted in Ampang East Ward, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, said the primary reflected the strength and unity of the ruling party ahead of 2027.
“The calm and coordinated atmosphere witnessed here reflects the commitment of party faithful to internal democracy and credible electoral processes,” Yilwatda said.
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, who voted in Surulere Constituency I, Ward G2, Lagos, said the turnout showed continued public confidence in the Tinubu administration despite economic challenges.
“The crowd that gathered during the exercise reflected growing confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and the APC government,” Gbajabiamila said. “Many citizens understand that the reforms being implemented will yield long-term benefits.
In Borno State, Tinubu swept Mafa Ward, the home ward of Governor Babagana Zulum. Out of 2,277 registered members, 2,175 were accredited and all voted for Tinubu. Osifo scored zero. Zulum said the result reflected the confidence party members had in the president’s leadership.
Kebbi State also delivered a strong showing. Governor Nasir Idris, former governor Saidu Dakingari, and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu mobilized party faithful in Nassarawa II Ward, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area, where Tinubu polled 5,652 votes. State APC Chairman Alhaji Abubakar Kana-Zuru said the outcome reflected massive support for the president.
In Osun State, Tinubu received 100,880 votes with no votes recorded for Osifo. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Gboyega Oyetola, who served as collation officer, said 100,880 of 109,806 digitally registered members were accredited for the primary.
Kaduna State reported unanimous endorsement across all 255 wards in the 23 local government areas. Governor Uba Sani said the result was “a clear reflection of the confidence our party members and the people have in the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.”
Former Ogun State governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun, participating in his ward, described the primary as evidence that APC members remained united ahead of the next electoral cycle.
In Benue State, Ambassador Terhemen Tarzoor, coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors for Tinubu 2027, said the exercise was peaceful, organized, and successful across the state.
Abia State gave Osifo his highest tally with 1,007 votes, but Tinubu still won decisively with 161,005 votes. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu announced the result in Umuahia and expressed confidence that the president would continue with his reforms and development programs. The exercise was heavily mobilized by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors movement.
Delta State delivered 407,646 votes for Tinubu out of 467,815 registered members, with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori announcing the result in Asaba. Osifo recorded zero votes.
In Edo State, Tinubu polled 131,096 votes to Osifo’s one vote. Bayelsa State returned 277,192 votes for the president against five for Osifo. State Returning Officer Senator Douye Diri said the exercise was conducted peacefully and in line with party guidelines.
Rivers State also produced a clean sweep, with Governor Siminalayi Fubara declaring 280,082 votes for Tinubu out of 297,068 registered members.
Oyo State coordinator Senator Teslim Folarin said turnout across the state’s 351 wards showed growing confidence in Tinubu’s leadership. He added that the party was working to improve its 2023 presidential performance in the state by at least 35 percent through mobilization and grassroots engagement.
In Zamfara State, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle led thousands of APC members in Maradun South Ward to endorse the president. “The massive support we are witnessing today is a clear indication that the people remain solidly behind President Bola Tinubu and the APC,” he said.
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji described the exercise across 177 wards as peaceful, transparent, and inclusive. He noted that it was the first time ordinary party members directly participated in selecting the party’s presidential flag bearer nationwide.
“The enthusiasm displayed by party members is a clear indication that our members are united in purpose and confident in the leadership direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Oyebanji said.
With the primary concluded, APC leaders say the outcome has positioned the party strongly for the 2027 general election. The scale of the victory gives Tinubu a clear mandate within the party and consolidates his control over party structures nationwide.
For the president, the exercise was more than a procedural requirement. It served as a nationwide demonstration of support from party faithful who want him to lead the APC into the next electoral cycle without internal challenge.
The result also signals continuity for the administration’s reform agenda. Party leaders argue that another term would allow Tinubu to see through economic and institutional changes already underway.
Opposition parties have yet to announce their candidates, but the APC’s early conclusion of its primary gives it a head start in mobilization and campaign planning.
The focus now shifts to consolidating party unity and expanding outreach beyond APC members. While the primary showed strong internal support, the general election will require broader appeal across Nigeria’s diverse electorate.
Tinubu’s administration is expected to intensify efforts on economic reforms, security, and infrastructure in the lead-up to 2027. Party officials say the primary results will be used to strengthen grassroots structures and drive voter registration and mobilization.
For Stanley Osifo, the primary marks the end of a campaign that failed to gain traction outside a few pockets of support. For Tinubu, it marks the start of a campaign to secure a second term and cement his legacy.
As APC leaders put it, the exercise was not just a primary. It was a nationwide vote of confidence in the direction of the party and the country under Tinubu’s leadership.
