2027: Tinubu Wins Lagos APC Presidential Primary, Says Exercise Demonstration Of Internal Democracy

President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday swept the All Progressives Congress (APC)Presidential Primary election in his Ward L2, Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, polling 4,996 votes as well as across the wards in the state.

President Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu who arrived at the polling centre at about 11.35 am to participate in the exercise described the exercise as demonstration of internal democracy.

At Ward L2, Ireti Nursery and Primary School, Mekwen Street, Queens Drive, Eti-Osa, party faithful and supporters turned out en-masse to participate in the exercise which began as early as 8 a.m.

Among dignitaries present were: Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; who is the Chief Returning Officer for Presidential Primary Elections in Lagos, former Lagos State Deputy Governor, former Femi Pedro, Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; APC Lagos State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi; Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the Presidential Primaries, Lagos, Mutiu Are, Secretary LOC, Engr, Adekunle Olayinka, party chieftain, Kola Peregrino, Gbolahan Yishawu, a member Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Eti-Osa Constituency 2, among others.

Tinubu, who is seeking a second term ahead of the 2027 general election, defeated fellow aspirant and businessman, Sterlyn Osifo, in the exercise conducted under the party’s direct primary system.

The APC adopted the direct primary model for the 2027 presidential race, allowing members across the country’s 8,809 wards to participate in the selection of the party’s candidate.

Voting commenced across APC wards nationwide, with party officials, supporters and security personnel monitoring the process.

At the end of the exercise, the ward returning officer, Martha Adikwu, at the President’s ward, announced that Tinubu secured 4,996 votes out of 5,163 registered voters.

Fielding questions from newsmen, Tinubu said, “This is a demonstration of internal democracy. It has been going on very well according to plan. This is grassroots politics where every member of the party has the right to participate and be involved to ensure we have an internal democracy. The exercise has been peaceful and well organised.”

The president, who expressed satisfaction with the process, added that, “The governors have done well across the States from the ward congresses to local governments, delegate accreditation, validation, members register, and certification of the electoral process.

“Am excited by the show of love by the large crowd, they are challenging me more.’’

Meanwhile, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State described the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election on Lagos Island as peaceful, orderly and transparent.

Sanwo-Olu who spoke with journalists on Saturday after voting with his wife Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu during the APC presidential primary election said the exercise reflected the internal democratic process of the party and commended party officials, delegates and security personnel for ensuring a smooth exercise.

The governor arrived at his voting centre at Ward E3, St Stephens (WAEC) School, Lagos Island, at 12. 04 p.m after he had gone to the president’s ward to ensure the voting exercise was seamless.

Sanwo-Olu said representatives of the other aspirants and party officials were present throughout the exercise, ensuring transparency in the conduct of the primary.

“The other aspirant said he did not have anything and no representatives, but all our representatives and party officials were here,” he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the peaceful conduct of members at the polling unit demonstrated the maturity and unity within the party ahead of future electoral activities.

He also expressed appreciation to party faithful and journalists for their orderly conduct and support during the exercise.

“I want to thank everybody for coming. I thank the gentlemen of the press again for coming. Thank you very much,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Earlier, APC Lagos State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi commended the peaceful conduct of the exercise, describing it as seamless and crisis-free.

He said: “The rewards of your loyalty to the party will yield benefits in due course. Thank you for the wonderful support for our President and the APC.

“Today, we are here to re-elect the candidate of your choice. Let Nigerians know that APC is the best party in Nigeria.”