…Says he will abide by the consensus if adopted
The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday screened one of the presidential aspirants contesting against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Osifo Stanley, amid growing indications that the ruling party may adopt a consensus arrangement ahead of its 2027 presidential primary.
Osifo appeared before the party’s screening committee in Abuja and described the exercise as rigorous but fair, insisting that he remained committed to the internal democratic process of the party despite the overwhelming endorsement already secured by President Tinubu from the party leadership.
Speaking with journalists after the exercise, the aspirant disclosed that members of the screening panel questioned him on why he chose to contest against the incumbent president.
“That was one of the questions, yes,” he said when asked whether the committee sought explanations over his decision to challenge Tinubu.
According to him, the screening process was naturally expected to be demanding.
“Screening is not something you go for without expecting some form of rigorous and challenging situation. But I think we are one party, and I presented everything I was asked to present.
“I was asked all the questions, and I responded accordingly. I strongly believe that the organ of our party responsible for the outcome of the screening exercise will do the needful,” he stated.
Osifo added that the outcome of the screening exercise was expected within days.
The screening comes days after the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC openly endorsed President Tinubu for a second term, a development widely interpreted within party circles as a move towards a consensus presidential ticket.
The endorsement by the party leadership had fueled speculations that other aspirants might be pressured to step down ahead of the presidential primary.
However, Osifo maintained that he would continue with the process while respecting whatever decision the party eventually adopts.
“When your eyes are on the plough, you move on. You don’t look back,” he said while reacting to questions on whether the NWC endorsement should compel him to withdraw from the race.
On the mode of primary election, the aspirant said the decision rested solely with the appropriate organs of the party.
“As an aspirant and a member of the party, I am not the authority to decide which pattern of election we should adopt. It is left for the appropriate organ of our party to take that decision,” he said.
Asked whether he would accept a consensus arrangement if adopted by the party, Osifo said he remained bound by party rules and decisions.
“Whatever position is taken, I am a party member, and I am expected to follow the rules and regulations of the party,” he added.
He, however, clarified that no discussions had been held with him regarding stepping down for President Tinubu or any other aspirant.
“The party has not told anyone to step down. The party has not mentioned anything like that.
“We have not discussed stepping down. I have never discussed anything about stepping down with anybody,” he said.
