President Bola Tinubu has won the APC presidential primaries, securing over 8.2 million votes. The election, which took place on Saturday, was a nationwide vote that saw Tinubu emerge victorious across all 8,809 wards.
His opponent, Stanley Osifo, received very few votes, with only five votes in Bayelsa and one vote in his home state of Edo. The primary was largely peaceful, with large crowds turning out to participate in the exercise.
Tinubu, who voted at Ikoyi-Obalende Ward L2 in Lagos alongside his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, commended party members for the orderly conduct of the exercise. He hailed the process as a strong reflection of democratic ideals within the APC.
"This is a demonstration of internal democracy, and it's been going very well according to plan. This is grassroots politics where every member of the party has the right to participate," the President said.
The President also applauded APC governors for supervising the process in their various states and ensuring credible participation from the grassroots. He reiterated the APC's commitment to transparent and inclusive democratic processes, emphasizing that grassroots members must always have the freedom to choose their leaders and representatives.
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, also commended the primary after casting his vote at the Ampang East Ward in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State. He described the election as a notable democratic milestone that highlighted the ruling party's internal cohesion and strength, which is significant because it shows the party's ability to conduct peaceful elections.
The APC's victory in the primaries is a milestone in the party's preparation for the 2027 general elections. With Tinubu's landslide victory, the party is poised to maintain its stronghold on power. The party won't take this for granted, though, as it knows it can't afford to be complacent.
The primary wasn't without its challenges, however. The exercise was marred by low voter turnout in some areas, with some polling units reporting as few as five voters. Despite this, the APC has hailed the primary as a success, citing the peaceful conduct of the exercise and the high level of participation from party members. They're pleased with the outcome, and they don't think the low turnout will affect their chances in the general elections.
As the APC looks to the 2027 general elections, the party will need to build on the momentum generated by Tinubu's victory in the primaries. The opposition parties are already gearing up for the elections, so the APC will need to ensure that it maintains its unity and cohesion if it is to emerge victorious. The party can't afford to lose focus now, as it's crucial that they stay united.
The APC's commitment to internal democracy and grassroots participation is a significant factor in its success. The party's ability to conduct free and fair primaries, as well as its willingness to give party members a say in the selection of its leaders, has helped to build trust and confidence among its members. This is because they feel they have a stake in the party's decision-making process, and they're more likely to support the party as a result.
In the coming months, the APC will need to build on this momentum, reaching out to Nigerians and selling its vision for the country's future. With Tinubu at the helm, the party is well-placed to do just that, and to emerge victorious in the 2027 general elections. They're confident they can do it, and they won't give up without a fight.
The APC will focus on engaging with voters and promoting its policies in the lead-up to the elections. They don't want to take anything for granted, and they know they can't afford to be complacent. The party's goal is to win the elections, and they're willing to work hard to achieve it.
- President Bola Tinubu won the APC presidential primaries with over 8.2 million votes
- His opponent, Stanley Osifo, received negligible numbers, with only five votes in Bayelsa and one vote in Edo
- The primary was largely peaceful, with large crowds turning out to participate
- The APC has hailed the primary as a success, citing the peaceful conduct of the exercise and the high level of participation from party members
- The party will need to build on the momentum generated by Tinubu's victory in the primaries as it looks to the 2027 general elections