President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emerged as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2026 general election, polling 10,999,162 votes in the party’s nationwide primaries.
The results were announced on Sunday at the International Conference Centre in Abuja by the Chairman of the APC Presidential Election Committee, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim. Tinubu defeated his closest rival, Stanley Osifo, who secured 16,503 votes.
The APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, formally presented Tinubu with the party’s certificate of return and symbolic flag, confirming him as the party’s flag bearer for the upcoming election.
In his acceptance speech, President Tinubu expressed gratitude to party members and pledged renewed commitment to national service.
“With another four years of disciplined focus and national cooperation, we will firmly place Nigeria on an irreversible path of economic expansion, industrialisation, energy security, infrastructure development, food sufficiency, and democratic consolidation,” he said.
According to the committee, the primaries were conducted in line with guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Electoral Act, and the APC constitution. Voting took place across all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, 774 local government areas, and 8,809 wards.
Out of 12,643,316 registered party members, 11,069,746 were accredited, while 11,015,665 cast their votes. The results were later collated in Abuja by designated officers, including state governors.
The committee described the process as transparent, noting that agents of both aspirants were given the opportunity to challenge outcomes where necessary.
Reflecting on his administration’s performance, Tinubu highlighted key achievements over the past three years, including economic reforms, increased revenue generation, and major investments in infrastructure and education.
He cited the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which has disbursed over ₦282 billion to more than 1.5 million beneficiaries, as well as progress in the power sector through the Presidential Metering Initiative and a ₦4 trillion bond programme to address legacy debts.
The President also defended the removal of fuel subsidies and exchange rate reforms, stating that the economy is showing signs of recovery, with improving foreign reserves and a stabilising naira.
On infrastructure, Tinubu pointed to ongoing road projects, airport and seaport upgrades, and renewed investments in the oil and gas sector.
Despite acknowledging persistent security challenges, the President assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to restoring peace nationwide.
“We will not rest until we restore peace and stability to every corner of our country,” he said.
Tinubu further called for unity across political divides, urging opposition groups to engage in constructive dialogue for national development.
“Democracy is sustained not by uniformity, but by diversity and a shared belief in the nation,” he added.
The President also encouraged APC members to highlight the party’s achievements since 2015 as they prepare for the general election campaign.