President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday recorded a sweeping victory in the All Progressives Congress presidential primary held at his Lagos ward, securing 4,996 votes as the ruling party moved closer to finalising its candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
The exercise took place at Ward L2, Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, where party members turned out in large numbers under tight security to participate in the APC’s direct primary process.
Tinubu, who arrived at the polling centre alongside First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, voted at Ireti Nursery and Primary School, Mekwen Street, Ikoyi, amid chants and cheers from party supporters.
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At the end of the exercise, the ward returning officer, Martha Adikwu, announced that the President polled 4,996 votes out of 5,163 registered voters in the ward, comfortably defeating fellow aspirant and businessman, Sterlyn Osifo.
The APC adopted the direct primary system for the presidential race, allowing members across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards to vote directly for the party’s candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.
Across Lagos, party leaders described the exercise as peaceful and orderly, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commending APC members for what he called their commitment to internal democracy.
At Ward D3 on Lagos Island, where the governor voted alongside his wife, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Tinubu secured 1,887 votes.
Speaking after casting his vote, Sanwo-Olu praised the turnout and conduct of party supporters.
“I commend the 1,887 votes recorded for President Bola Tinubu. The process has been peaceful and orderly. I thank party members for their patience and support for the APC and our leader,” the governor said.
Several APC chieftains and senior party figures attended the exercise, including former Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Lagos APC Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi; and party stalwart, Kola Peregrino.
Addressing supporters before voting commenced, Ojelabi said the primary reflected the strength and structure of the ruling party.
“The rewards of your loyalty to the party will yield benefits in due course. Thank you for the wonderful support for our President and the APC,” he said.
“Today, we are here to re-elect the candidate of your choice. Let Nigerians know that APC is the best party in Nigeria.”
The President later took to his official X account to describe the exercise as a demonstration of grassroots democracy and party cohesion.
“Democracy is not sustained by noise, speculation, or borrowed platforms. It is sustained by citizens who show up, party members who believe, institutions that endure, the grassroots, and a political family rooted in the people,” Tinubu wrote.
“The APC remains focused, organised and deeply grounded across Nigeria. Others may gather around grievance. We gather around structure, service, and the work of nation-building.”
Saturday’s primary comes amid rising political activity ahead of the 2027 general election, with parties beginning consultations, endorsements and internal realignments.
Tinubu, who won the 2023 presidential election under the APC platform, is seeking a second term in office amid ongoing debates over economic reforms, subsidy removal, exchange rate liberalisation and national security challenges.
Political analysts say the overwhelming support recorded in his Lagos stronghold could reinforce his influence within the APC ahead of the national convention and broader presidential campaign season.
The exercise was monitored by party officials and security personnel, with no major incidents reported during voting in Lagos.
