By Peace Udugba
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 presidential primary election.
The President, who accepted the nomination on Sunday at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, pledged to consolidate ongoing economic reforms, strengthen security, and deepen democratic governance if re-elected for a second term.
Receiving the APC flag and certificate of return from the party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Tinubu expressed gratitude to party members for renewing their confidence in him.
“In accepting this nomination, I renew my commitment to serve our nation with even greater determination,” the President said.
“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.”
Chairman of the APC Presidential Election Committee, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, announced the results of the primary election before party leaders, governors, National Assembly members, ministers, presidential aides, and other APC stakeholders.
According to Anyim, Tinubu’s only challenger, Stanley Osifo, secured 16,503 votes.
He disclosed that the primary election was conducted in line with the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), electoral laws, and the APC constitution.
Anyim stated that voting took place across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, 774 local government areas, and 8,809 wards on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
He added that out of 12,643,316 registered party members, 11,069,746 were accredited, while 11,015,665 participated in the exercise.
The APC chieftain described the process as transparent and credible, noting that agents of both aspirants were allowed to challenge results where necessary.
In his acceptance speech, President Tinubu thanked APC governors, members of the National Assembly, the National Executive Council, the National Working Committee, and party faithful for giving him another opportunity to contest the 2027 presidential election under the party’s platform.
The President highlighted some of his administration’s achievements over the past three years, urging party members to promote the government’s record since 2015, especially recent reforms introduced under his administration.
According to him, the economy has undergone major structural reforms supported by new tax laws and fiscal policies that have improved revenue generation.
Tinubu also cited the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, saying over N282 billion had been disbursed to more than 1.5 million beneficiaries.
On electricity, the President said his administration had supplied 2.5 million meters through the Presidential Metering Initiative and introduced a N4 trillion bond programme to settle debts owed to power generation and gas companies.
He added that power generation had at times peaked at 6,000 megawatts, representing a 50 per cent increase from what his administration inherited.
Speaking on fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms, Tinubu said the government had moved away from “wasteful fuel subsidies” and unstable exchange rates, adding that the naira was stabilising while foreign reserves were improving despite global economic pressures.
The President also highlighted ongoing investments in roads, power, digital infrastructure, housing, seaports, airports, and the oil and gas sector.
“We are building concrete, durable roads and superhighways along the coast and on the Sokoto-Badagry route that will last for over 100 years,” he said.
On security, Tinubu acknowledged that some parts of the country still face serious challenges but assured Nigerians that his administration remained committed to restoring peace and stability nationwide.
“I assure you that I take seriously the responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of every Nigerian. We will not rest until we restore peace and stability to every corner of our country,” he stated.
The President also extended an olive branch to opposition parties and critics, saying democracy thrives on diversity of opinions and constructive engagement.
“Our mission remains clear: to build a Nigeria where every life and property is secure, where enterprise thrives, where workers earn with dignity, where young people find opportunity, and where farmers prosper,” he added.
