An aspirant for the 2027 presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Stanley Osifo, has dismissed suggestions that he is being sponsored by President Bola Tinubu just to create a semblance of contest in the race for the party’s ticket.
Osifo, who described himself as a genuine contender, said he had faced the accusations of being sponsored even in 2018 and 2019 when he contested under a different party.
TheTimes Nigeria recalls that the Edo-born politician and businessman caught public attention when he purchased the APC expression of interest and nomination forms on Tuesday for a staggering ₦100 million.
He received the documents from the APC National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, at the Ladi Kwali International Conference Centre, Abuja Continental Hotel, signalling a challenge to the incumbent, President Tinubu, for the party’s ticket.
The purchase sparked rumours that Osifo’s candidacy is a strategic move sponsored by the presidency to create a semblance of competition, but the aspirant dismissed such claims.
He added that he relies on God for provision.
“This is not the first time I’m hearing such claims. Nobody is sponsoring me. Even in 2018 and 2019 when I contested under a different party, similar allegations were made.
“The President has never given me any money. I rely on what God has provided,” Stanley told reporters after picking the forms.
He added that his entry into the contest is based on support from party stakeholders and extensive groundwork.
Osifo vowed to work in line with the APC internal processes, stating he is prepared for “whatever mode of primary election” the APC leadership decides to adopt.
He added that the time to change Nigeria has come, and his aspiration is driven by integrity, innovation, and inclusive development.
“My aspiration is anchored on transforming Nigeria into a nation driven by integrity, innovation, and inclusive development.
“The time has come for Nigeria to undergo a total transformation. Together, we can build a nation that works for all,” he stated.
TheTimes Nigeria understands that Osifo’s campaign is built on a reform manifesto titled “Metamorphosis 2027,” a document he claims will address Nigeria’s most pressing socio-economic and security failures.
