President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emerged as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after polling 10,999,162 votes in the party’s nationwide primaries, vowing to consolidate ongoing economic reforms and advance Nigeria’s development agenda in a second term.
The President received the party’s certificate of return and symbolic flag from APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, at the International Conference Centre in Abuja on Sunday, formally confirming his candidacy for the next general election.
In his acceptance speech, Tinubu expressed gratitude to party members and reaffirmed his commitment to national service.
“With another four years of disciplined focus and national cooperation, we will firmly place Nigeria on an irreversible path of economic expansion, industrialisation, energy security, infrastructure development, food sufficiency, and democratic consolidation,” he said.
The Chairman of the APC Presidential Primary Election Committee, Anyim Pius Anyim, announced the results, noting that the exercise adhered to guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), electoral laws, and the APC constitution.
According to him, the primaries were conducted across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, covering 774 local government areas and 8,809 wards. Of the 12,643,316 registered party members, 11,069,746 were accredited, while 11,015,665 cast their votes.
Tinubu’s closest challenger, Stanley Osifo, garnered 16,503 votes.
Anyim described the process as transparent and credible, stating that agents of both aspirants were given the opportunity to challenge results where necessary.
Highlighting achievements of his administration, Tinubu pointed to reforms in fiscal policy, education financing, and the power sector. He cited the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which has reportedly disbursed over N282 billion to more than 1.5 million beneficiaries, and efforts to close the electricity metering gap through the Presidential Metering Initiative.
He also referenced broader economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange adjustments, noting signs of recovery such as improved foreign reserves and a strengthening naira.
On infrastructure, the President said his administration had prioritised investments in transportation, energy, housing, and digital connectivity, while also undertaking major road and power projects aimed at boosting long-term growth.
Addressing security concerns, Tinubu acknowledged ongoing challenges but assured Nigerians of intensified efforts to restore peace nationwide.
“We will not rest until we restore peace and stability to every corner of our country,” he said.
READ ALSO: FG Reaffirms Commitment to Intellectual Property Protection Ahead of WIPO DG Visit
APGA Primary Crisis Deepens as Awka North Executives Reject Result, Demand Rerun
The President also extended an olive branch to political opponents, calling for unity and dialogue in nation-building, stressing that democracy thrives on diversity of ideas.
The event was attended by top party officials, governors, National Assembly members, ministers, and other stakeholders, underscoring the significance of Tinubu’s emergence as the APC standard-bearer for the forthcoming election.
About The Author
