Meet Stanley Osifo, the businessman who challenged Tinubu for APC ticket

Stanley Osifo has emerged as one of the surprise figures in Nigeria’s political landscape after contesting against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 election.

Although Tinubu won the primary overwhelmingly with 10,999,162 votes against Osifo’s 16,505 votes, the Edo-born businessman attracted attention nationwide for becoming the only major challenger to the incumbent president within the ruling party.

Osifo, also known as Osifo Osayamen Stanley, is from Oluku Ward in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

He attended Payne Primary School and Edokpolo Grammar School in Benin City before proceeding to Lagos State University, where he earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Christian Religious Studies.

Before venturing fully into politics, Osifo built his reputation in business and private enterprise.

He has often been described as a trader and entrepreneur with interests linked to productivity and economic development, although details about the scale of his business operations remain largely unknown in the public space.

Osifo’s political ambition dates back several years. Ahead of the 2019 general election, he contested for the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party and reportedly purchased the party’s ₦12 million nomination form. However, he did not proceed to the final primary stage.

He later moved to the APC after reportedly having links with the Social Democratic Party and continued to express interest in Nigeria’s top political office.

His 2027 presidential bid became a major talking point after he purchased the APC nomination and expression of interest forms worth ₦100 million.

The move sparked debate about the high cost of politics in Nigeria and the possibility of internal democracy within major political parties.

Campaigning under the slogan “Metamorphosis 2027,” Osifo promised economic reforms, wealth creation, improved healthcare, stronger security, regional integration, and poverty eradication. He presented himself as a reform-minded businessman seeking to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth.

Despite his ambitious message, Osifo struggled to gain broad support within the APC as many party leaders and governors openly endorsed Tinubu before the primary election.

He eventually recorded zero votes in several states, including Delta, Ebonyi, Jigawa, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory.

Following the primary, Osifo accepted defeat and pledged loyalty to the APC and Tinubu. He stated that his participation in the race was part of a democratic process and not a personal confrontation with the president.

Shortly after the election, videos circulated online showing Tinubu warmly receiving Osifo after the announcement of results, a move seen by party loyalists as part of post-primary reconciliation efforts.

While questions remain about the depth of his political structure and national influence, Stanley Osifo’s bold challenge against a sitting president has ensured his name remains part of conversations surrounding Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race.