2027: Tinubu’s challenger, Osifo appears before APC screening panel

…Says no talks about stepping down for president

Stanley Osifo, the lone presidential aspirant challenging President Bola Tinubu for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket ahead of the 2027 election, on Saturday appeared before the party’s screening committee in Abuja.

Osifo, an APC chieftain from Edo State, spoke with journalists after the exercise, expressing confidence in the process and dismissing speculations about stepping down for the president.

“Screening is not something you go for without expecting some form of rigorous and challenging situation. But we are one party, and I presented everything I had to present,” he said.

“I was asked all the questions, and I responded accordingly. I strongly believe that the organ of our party responsible for the outcome of the screening exercise will do the needful,” he added.

He added that the outcome of the screening was expected to be released soon.

Speaking on the mode of primary election to be adopted by the party, the aspirant said the decision rests solely with the leadership of the APC.

“As an aspirant and a member of the party, I am not the authority to decide which pattern of election we should adopt. It is left for the appropriate organ of our party to take that decision,” he said.

“Whatever position is taken, I am a party member, and I am expected to follow the rules and regulations of the party,” Osifo added. He also denied reports suggesting that he was under pressure to withdraw from the race in favour of Tinubu.

“The party has not told anyone to step down. The party has not mentioned anything like that. We have not discussed stepping down. I have never discussed anything about stepping down with anybody.”

Recall that Ajibola Bashiru, APC National Secretary had during the submission of Tinubu’s expression of interest and nomination forms on Thursday by Vice President Kashim Shettima, disclosed that the party had adopted direct mode of primary for Tinubu and Osifo.

Meanwhile, Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom State governor;  Isa Ali Pantami, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, who is seeking the Gombe State governorship, and Yusuf Tuggar, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, an aspirant for the Bauchi State governorship were among prominent figures who also appeared before the screening panel, presided over by Nentawe Yilwatda, APC National Chairman.

Several other aspirants across various positions equally submitted themselves for screening as part of the APC preparatory process ahead of the 2027 general elections.