Notwithstanding the recent swell of endorsements for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, the internal unity of the All Progressives Congress (APC) faced a fresh test on Tuesday evening. Chief Osifo Stanley, a prominent party chieftain, arrived at the Abuja Continental Hotel to formally procure the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, signaling his intent to contest the party’s presidential ticket.
The development follows the earlier action of the Honourable James Faleke, the federal lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, who earlier that day secured the same documentation on behalf of the incumbent president.
Addressing a scrum of journalists shortly after obtaining his forms, Chief Stanley articulated a vision for governance predicated on addressing perceived shortcomings in the current administration’s strategic approach. He pointedly identified technology and innovation as areas where the incumbent has failed to meet national expectations.
“My mission is very simple and, as I said before, there are areas that Tinubu has not done well that we want to improve upon. Such areas include technology,” Chief Stanley asserted. “My aspiration is anchored on transforming Nigeria into a nation driven by integrity, innovation, and inclusive development.”
Chief Stanley was quick to dismiss suggestions that his candidacy might be a tactical ploy orchestrated by external interests. Drawing parallels to his 2019 challenge against then-President Muhammadu Buhari, he maintained that his political ambitions are entirely self-funded and independent.
“I want to also make it very clear that nobody is sponsoring me,” he declared. “I am not the kind of person you sponsor to do anything. Anybody can carry out an independent investigation to confirm this.”
The chieftain also alluded to a degree of administrative friction within the party’s secretariat regarding his candidacy. He claimed that the expectations of him actually picking the form were so low that party officials felt compelled to engage in internal consultations before eventually releasing the documents to him.
When queried on the preferred mode of the primary election whether direct, indirect, or by consensus Chief Stanley deferred to the party’s hierarchy, stating that such procedural decisions rested solely with the APC leadership.
However, he was unequivocal regarding his governance philosophy. He pledged to lead an administration that adheres strictly to the Federal Character Principle as enshrined in the Constitution, ensuring that every region of the federation feels represented within the corridors of power.
“We must build a system where fairness, equity, and justice prevail, and where every Nigerian feels a sense of belonging,” he said. “The time has come for Nigeria to undergo a total transformation. Together, we can build a nation that works for all.”
As the APC prepares for its national convention, Chief Stanley’s entry into the race serves as a reminder that, despite the prevailing narrative of a unified front behind the President, voices of dissent and alternative visions continue to vie for the soul of the ruling party.
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