In a stunning political development, President Bola Tinubu has decisively defeated his challenger, Stanley Osifo, in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election held in Bayelsa State. The results, announced on May 23, 2026, showed Tinubu securing a staggering 277,192 votes, while Osifo managed only five votes. This outcome is particularly significant as Bayelsa, an oil-rich state in the South-South region, is considered part of Osifo's home base.
Landslide Victory in Oil-Rich State
The primary election, which is a precursor to the 2027 general elections, saw President Tinubu dominate the polls in Bayelsa. Political analysts had anticipated that Osifo, a businessman from neighboring Edo State, would garner a respectable number of votes in the region. However, the results indicate overwhelming support for Tinubu among APC delegates in Bayelsa.
Implications for 2027 Elections
This landslide victory strengthens President Tinubu's position as the APC's presumptive candidate for the 2027 presidential election. It also sends a strong message to other potential challengers within the party, demonstrating Tinubu's firm grip on the party machinery across various states, including those in his opponent's home region.
Stanley Osifo, who had hoped to leverage his South-South origin to gain traction, now faces an uphill battle in his quest to unseat the incumbent. The primary results in Bayelsa may force a reassessment of his campaign strategy as the party moves closer to the general elections.
