By Ademu Idakwo, Abuja; James Kwen, Abuja; Festus Ahon, Asaba; Babaji Usman Babaji, Gombe; Okem Green Mbah, Yenagoa; Nnamdi Mbawike, Enugu; Aza Msue, Kaduna; Godwin Enna, Katsina; Achor Abimaje, Jos; and Damilola Origbemisuyi, Akure
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to formally announce its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election in Abuja today, following the conclusion of nationwide direct primaries held across the party’s 8,809 wards.
The exercise, which witnessed massive turnout of party members across several states, saw President Bola Ahmed Tinubu record sweeping victories and endorsements as APC members trooped out in large numbers to participate in the process.
The results of the presidential primaries conducted nationwide are expected to be officially announced by the APC Presidential Primary Election Committee chaired by former Senate President, Pius Anyim.
The committee is expected to declare the winner of the contest between President Tinubu and his challenger, Stanley Osifo, after receiving results from APC governors and party leaders serving as coordinators and collation officers in their respective states.
The collation and formal declaration of the results will take place at the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Across several states monitored by LEADERSHIP Sunday, the exercise was largely peaceful, orderly and marked by huge participation from party members and supporters.
In Ondo State, the APC presidential primary election recorded early voting and peaceful conduct across centres in the 203 wards of the state.
The exercise commenced early in the morning, with party members turning out at various polling locations to participate in the election under the party’s direct primary arrangement.
In several centres visited by LEADERSHIP, particularly in Akure and other urban areas such as Ward 11, Owode Imuagun in Akure South Local Government Area, voting and accreditation processes were concluded before 10:00 a.m.
Party members across the state participated actively in the process, with no significant disruption reported in most polling centres visited.
Security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, were deployed across locations to maintain peace and ensure a hitch-free exercise.
Speaking during the exercise, a member of the House of Representatives representing Akure South/Akure North Federal Constituency, Derin Adesida, who participated at Ward 11, described the exercise as well organised and transparent.
Adesida said the turnout reflected strong support for President Tinubu, noting that members came out in large numbers to demonstrate unity within the party.
“Yes, this is for Mr. President and it is an unopposed election. However, we are here and I know our numbers will still be counted as we go through the voting process. This is a primary election, and everybody is out to support Mr. President,” he said.
Ondo State Governor and Returning Officer of the APC Presidential Primary Election in the state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, described the exercise as peaceful, orderly and consistent with party guidelines.
Aiyedatiwa said the direct primary format allowed broad participation of members across all wards, thereby strengthening internal democracy within the party.
He commended the conduct of members and electoral officials, noting that the process reflected discipline and organisation within the APC.
“The strength of our party lies in the active participation, commitment and collective resolve of our members. This primary election provides us with another opportunity to shape the future of our nation and further strengthen the democratic ideals that unite us,” the governor said.
Also speaking, the APC Director of Media and Publicity in Ondo State, Steve Otaloro, described the exercise as transparent, well organised and peaceful, adding that collation followed the party’s constitutional procedures up to the national level in Abuja.
