As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election, new aspirants are beginning to signal interest in Nigeria’s top job, adding fresh dynamics to an already evolving landscape.
Among them is Edo-born international entrepreneur, Stanley Osifo, who has declared his intention to contest for the presidency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Osifo’s declaration comes at a time when many political observers believe that President Bola Tinubu may face limited opposition within the ruling party. However, the emergence of aspirants like Osifo suggests that internal contestation may still shape the party’s eventual ticket. In a statement announcing his ambition, Osifo described himself as a patriotic Nigerian driven by a vision to reposition the country for global competitiveness.
He said his aspiration is anchored on a commitment to national development and improved service delivery across sectors. “I present myself to Nigerians as a sincere and humble aspirant for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. My campaign is focused on addressing the critical challenges facing our nation, particularly in the areas of the economy and security,” he said.
Central to Osifo’s proposed agenda is a dual focus on economic revitalisation and national security; two areas he described as fundamental to Nigeria’s stability and growth. According to him, a sound economy and a secure environment are interdependent and essential for societal progress. “We understand that the economy underpins all aspects of human existence; health, education, transportation, and more.
At the same time, a secure society provides the foundation for economic growth. Without security, development is difficult to achieve,” he stated. Osifo, who previously contested for the presidency in 2019 and 2023, said his administration will prioritise tackling poverty, hunger, and the rising cost of living through targeted macroeconomic and grassroots interventions.
He pledged to strengthen the purchasing power of Nigerians through policy reforms, while also investing in agriculture as a key strategy to boost food production and reduce hunger. Beyond economic reforms, Osifo outlined a wide range of policy priorities, including political reforms, healthcare development, infrastructure expansion, and technological advancement. He said that his administration would pursue democratic reforms aimed at ensuring fairness, transparency, and the supremacy of the people’s will in governance.
“We will work towards a political system that is fair, free, and truly democratic, where the voice of Nigerians determines leadership outcomes,” he said. In the health sector, Osifo promised to strengthen the implementation of the National Health Act, improve funding for tertiary institutions through partnerships with agencies such as the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), and enhance preparedness for disease outbreaks.
He also highlighted plans to collaborate with international organisations to tackle public health challenges, while investing in training for healthcare professionals. On infrastructure, the aspirant identified water supply, agriculture, mining, and transportation as key drivers of economic transformation.
He noted that access to potable water remains a major challenge in many parts of the country and pledged targeted interventions, including the rehabilitation of dams and irrigation systems to support both agriculture and power generation. Osifo also emphasised the importance of developing Nigeria’s mining and steel sectors, including a review of operations at the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, to boost industrial growth and job creation.
In agriculture, he proposed strengthening value chains, expanding storage facilities, and supporting agribusiness development, particularly among youths. To stimulate industrial growth, Osifo said that he would promote the establishment of Free Trade Zones across the country in collaboration with state and local governments. These, he explained, would encourage investment, boost exports, and support manufacturing.
He also outlined plans to drive innovation through science and technology, including the creation of technology hubs similar to Silicon Valley to support startups, research, and venture capital development. “We will accelerate scientific and technological advancement to enhance productivity and position Nigeria competitively in the global economy,” he said.
Osifo’s entry into the 2027 race confirms the gradual expansion of the political field as aspirants begin to articulate their visions. While it remains to be seen how his candidacy will resonate within the APC and among the broader electorate, his policy proposals reflect recurring national concerns; economic hardship, insecurity, and infrastructure deficits.
