President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emerged the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after securing 10,999,162 votes in the party’s nationwide direct primary election, pledging to consolidate ongoing economic reforms and deepen national development if re-elected.
Tinubu was formally presented with the party’s certificate of return and flag at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, by the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, amid applause from party leaders, governors, lawmakers, and delegates.
In his acceptance speech, the President said he was honoured by the renewed confidence of the party and promised to sustain his administration’s reform agenda.
“In accepting this nomination, I renew my commitment to serve our nation with even greater determination,” Tinubu 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,” he added.
The Chairman of the APC Presidential Election Committee, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, who announced the results, said the exercise followed due process in line with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines and the APC constitution.
He disclosed that voting was conducted across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, covering 774 local government areas and 8,809 wards on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
According to him, a total of 12,643,316 party members were registered, while 11,069,746 were accredited, and 11,015,665 participated in the exercise.
Senator Anyim added that the process was transparent, noting that agents of all aspirants were given the opportunity to raise objections where necessary.
Stanley Osifo, the only other aspirant, polled 16,503 votes.
Following his victory, Tinubu expressed appreciation to party stakeholders, including governors, National Assembly members, members of the National Working Committee, and the APC Presidential Primary Election Committee, for their support.
He also urged party members to take pride in the administration’s achievements since 2015, particularly the progress recorded in the last three years.
“Our economy has undergone significant structural reform, supported by new tax laws and fiscal policies that have boosted revenue collection for the federation,” he said.
“We promised to remove the financial barriers to higher education for our youth. Today, we have established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, with over N282 billion disbursed and over 1.5 million beneficiaries,” Tinubu added.
The President’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, issued the statement on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
