According to a report by The Sun News, on Sunday, May 17, 2026, Stanley Osifo has stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s advantage as an incumbent does not automatically translate into victory in the upcoming presidential contest, insisting that the outcome of the race within the All Progressives Congress (APC) will ultimately be determined at the polls during the party’s primary election.
Speaking in an interview on ARISE News, Osifo argued that holding the office of the president should not be interpreted as a guaranteed pathway to clinching the party’s ticket or winning the broader political contest.
He maintained that political success in a democratic setting is dependent on the collective decision of party members and the integrity of the electoral process, rather than the influence of incumbency alone.
According to him, the APC must continue to operate as a platform rooted in internal democracy, where every aspirant is given equal opportunity regardless of status or position.
Osifo further emphasized that the ruling party should not be seen as divided by personal rivalry or internal hostility, stressing instead that it remains a unified political structure where competition is healthy and necessary for growth.
He noted that aspirants within the party are not enemies, but colleagues with shared interests in strengthening the APC and advancing its political objectives.
He also expressed confidence that the outcome of the primary election would reflect fairness, adding that the APC’s internal democratic mechanisms are capable of producing a credible and acceptable candidate for the party.
He urged members and stakeholders to approach the process with discipline and respect, rather than viewing it as a contest driven by personal conflict.
Osifo highlighted the importance of political maturity and sportsmanship among aspirants, stating that anyone seeking leadership within the party must also be prepared to accept and support the eventual winner.
He explained that internal competition should not weaken the party, but instead reinforce its unity and democratic values.
Reaffirming his position on party cohesion, he stressed that ambition should never override loyalty to the collective interest of the APC.
He added that his own aspiration is motivated by a desire to contribute to service delivery and strengthen the party’s overall structure, rather than to engage in confrontation with the sitting president.
“If I defeat him, he will work with me, and if he wins, I will support and work with him,” Osifo stated.
He concluded by reiterating that the strength of the APC lies in its ability to accommodate differing ambitions while still maintaining unity, arguing that the party’s survival and success depend on how well it manages internal competition without allowing it to escalate into division or crisis…See More
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