Osifo Stanley. Credit: F Ọ L Ú X
As President Bola Tinubu on Sunday received the All Progressives Congress Certificate of Return and flag as the party’s presidential flagbearer for the 2027 election, attention has turned to the man who dared to challenge him for the ticket, Stanley Osifo.
Osifo, a businessman-turned-politician, contested against Tinubu despite widespread endorsements by top APC leaders across the states, who had pushed for the president to emerge as the party’s consensus candidate.
In the result announced on Sunday, Tinubu secured a landslide 10,999,162 votes, while Osifo polled 16,505 in the nationwide exercise.
While the outcome was widely expected, Osifo’s participation as the sole alternative candidate has drawn interest in his profile as a businessman-turned-politician.
Below are key things to know about him:
Origin
Stanley Osifo, also known as Osifo Osayamen Stanley or Chief Stanley Osifo, is a 50-year-old businessman and politician from Oluku Ward in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Education
He attended Payne Primary School and Edokpolo Grammar School, both in Benin City.
He holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Christian Religious Studies from Lagos State University (LASU).
Business and entrepreneurial profile
Osifo is an international entrepreneur and trader with interests linked to several companies.
Although he is not verifiably associated with any known company, he is said to have been active in the private sector, with descriptions ranging from trader to economic actor focused on productivity and operational efficiency.
Serial presidential aspirant
Osifo is not new to presidential contests. He was a presidential aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2019 elections at age 42.
He purchased the N12 million nomination form but did not proceed to the primaries for reasons that were not immediately known.
Big investment in 2027 bid
In 2026, he purchased the APC’s ₦100 million presidential nomination and expression of interest forms, signalling serious intent despite Tinubu’s incumbency and strong party backing.
He dismissed claims of being sponsored by the president, insisting his ambition was driven by personal conviction.
“Metamorphosis 2027” agenda
His campaign, tagged “Metamorphosis 2027,” focused on repositioning Nigeria through sustainable growth, with emphasis on the economy, security, healthcare, water resources, and regional integration.
He also pledged to create wealth and eradicate poverty.
Modest showing in primaries
Osifo recorded zero votes in several states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Delta, Kogi, Ebonyi, and Jigawa.
The result underscored Tinubu’s dominance in the direct primary conducted across 8,809 wards nationwide.
Party loyalty over ambition
Despite his defeat, Osifo quickly conceded and pledged loyalty to the APC, promising to work with Tinubu and the party.
He stated that his participation was not an act of personal rivalry but a legitimate internal party exercise.
Cross-party experience
Before joining the APC, Osifo reportedly had affiliations with the Social Democratic Party and the Peoples Democratic Party, where he previously expressed presidential ambitions.
Post-primary reconciliation
In the spirit of party unity, Osifo met with Tinubu shortly after the announcement of results.
Videos circulating on social media showed the president standing to greet the businessman.
Tinubu and Osifo. Credit: A. Ayofe | X
Tinubu, while receiving his certificate of return, extended an olive branch to Osifo, stating that he bore no grudge against him.
The Punch
