Tinubu Sweeps APC Presidential Primaries in Massive Landslide as 2027 Race Intensifies Amid Security Concerns

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The nationwide exercise, conducted across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards through a direct primary system, saw Tinubu overwhelmingly defeat his only challenger, businessman Stanley Osifo, in what party leaders described as a resounding endorsement of the president’s leadership and political influence.

In his Lagos home ward, Tinubu secured 4,996 votes from 5,163 accredited party members, underlining his continued dominance within the APC structure. Similar results emerged from states including Gombe, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta, Osun and Kwara, where Osifo reportedly failed to gain meaningful support in several voting centres.

The primaries were largely described by party officials as peaceful and orderly, with APC stakeholders praising what they called a transparent grassroots-driven process.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu and several APC governors commended the turnout and smooth conduct of the exercise, insisting the results reflected growing support for Tinubu ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested 2027 presidential election.

The APC had earlier adopted direct primaries after attempts to secure a consensus arrangement collapsed. APC National Secretary Ajibola Bashiru confirmed the decision before voting commenced, stating that registered party members across the country would determine the party’s flag bearer.

Tinubu is now widely expected to receive the APC presidential ticket officially at the party’s special convention scheduled for Sunday, where he is anticipated to be presented with the party flag and certificate of return.

Despite celebrations among APC loyalists, the timing of the primaries has triggered criticism from opposition figures and sections of the public amid worsening insecurity concerns in parts of Nigeria.

Public outrage has intensified following the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomosho in Oyo State, where armed gunmen abducted dozens of pupils and teachers on May 16. The crisis escalated further after reports emerged that one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed in captivity, with disturbing footage allegedly showing his execution circulating online.

Critics accused the ruling party of focusing on political consolidation while many families remain traumatized and security agencies continue rescue operations for the remaining victims.

Social media platforms were flooded with reactions questioning whether political activities should have taken precedence during a period of national grief and mounting security tension.

President Tinubu had earlier condemned the Ogbomosho attack and directed security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and track down those responsible for the abductions.

Saturday’s primary result nevertheless marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s political calendar, positioning Tinubu firmly as the APC’s presumptive presidential candidate as the countdown to the 2027 elections accelerates.

More official results and political reactions are expected in the coming hours as the ruling party prepares for its formal convention announcement.