By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially emerged as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after securing a total of 10,999,162 votes in the party’s recently concluded nationwide presidential primaries.
Tinubu was presented with the APC’s symbolic flag and certificate of return by the party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, during a ceremony held on Sunday at the International Conference Centre.
Speaking after his confirmation as the party’s flag bearer, Tinubu appreciated party members and stakeholders across the country for their confidence in his leadership, promising to continue working towards national growth, economic reforms, and democratic stability.
According to him, Nigeria stands at a critical stage where sustained commitment and collective national effort are required to deepen economic reforms and strengthen democratic governance.
“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,” Tinubu stated during his acceptance speech.
The Chairman of the APC Presidential Election Committee, Anyim Pius Anyim, who announced the final outcome of the primaries, disclosed that the exercise was conducted in compliance with the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the APC constitution. He revealed that out of 12,643,316 registered APC members, 11,069,746 were accredited, while 11,015,665 members eventually participated in the exercise across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
READ ALSO:APM Senatorial Candidate Ajadi Distributes Over 500 Bags of Rice
The Merit Newspaper reports that Tinubu also used the occasion to extend an olive branch to his sole challenger in the primary election, Stanley Osifo, who polled 16,503 votes after refusing to step down following the collapse of a proposed consensus arrangement.
“I owe you no grudge, including Osifo, who spent his money,” Tinubu said, while calling for unity within the party and across the country. He added that his administration remains open to criticism and differing opinions, stressing that democracy thrives on dialogue, inclusiveness, and diversity of ideas rather than hostility and division.
Reflecting on the achievements of his administration over the last three years, the president highlighted several reforms introduced by his government, including structural adjustments in the economy, improvements in electricity supply, and the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund aimed at supporting students across the country. While acknowledging existing security concerns in parts of Nigeria, he reassured citizens of his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
READ ALSO:Oyo APC: Meaning Behind Folarin’s “Party Man” Remark
As preparations begin ahead of the general elections, Tinubu’s emergence as the APC presidential candidate is expected to significantly shape Nigeria’s political landscape, with renewed emphasis on economic transformation, infrastructure development, national cohesion, and democratic consolidation.
