By BENJAMIN OMOIKE,LAGOS, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday won the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Primary in his Ward L2 in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, polling a total of 4,996 votes.
President Tinubu and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, arrived at the polling centre at Ward E, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Saturday morning, to participate in the exercise amid tight security.
Similarly, at Ward D3 on Lagos Island where Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu casted his vote, Tinubu polled 1,887 votes to emerge winner of the primary election.
Sanwo-Olu, accompanied by his wife, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, participated in the exercise alongside other state officials.
President Tinubu and wife, Oluremi Tinubu, speaking to journalists after voting.
Speaking with journalists after voting, the governor praised party members for the impressive turnout and peaceful conduct of the exercise.
“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.
President Tinubu, who is seeking a second term ahead of the 2027 General Elections, defeated fellow aspirant and businessman, Sterlyn Osifo, in the exercise conducted under the party’s direct primary system.
The APC adopted the direct primary model for the 2027 presidential race, allowing members across the country’s 8,809 wards to participate in the selection of the party’s candidate.
Voting commenced across APC wards nationwide, with party officials, supporters and security personnel monitoring the process.
At Ward L2, Ireti Nursery and Primary School, Mekwen Street, Queens Drive, Eti-Osa, party faithful and supporters turned out in large numbers for the exercise, which began as early as 8 a.m.
Among dignitaries present were Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu; former Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; APC Lagos State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi; and a party chieftain, Kola Peregrino, among others.
Addressing party members earlier, Ojelabi commended the peaceful conduct of the exercise, describing it as seamless and crisis-free.
“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.
“Today, we are here to re-elect the candidate of your choice. Let Nigerians know that APC is the best party in Nigeria,” Ojelabi said.
At the end of the exercise, the ward returning officer, Martha Adikwu, announced that Tinubu secured 4,996 votes out of 5,163 registered voters.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Lagos, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the APC presidential primary held in the state as peaceful, transparent and a strong reflection of internal democracy.
The Governor commended the orderly conduct of voting across the 245 wards in Lagos State, noting that the exercise recorded impressive turnout and enthusiastic participation by party faithful.
He said the exercise reflected the internal democratic process of the party and commended party officials, delegates and security personnel for ensuring a smooth exercise.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who voted at Ward E3, St Stephens (WAEC) School, Adeniji Adele, in Lagos Island Local Government Area, alongside his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, commended party members, APC officials, and personnel of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ensuring a credible and hitch-free exercise.
Speaking after casting his vote, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the direct primary system had given party members at the grassroots the opportunity to actively participate in choosing the party’s presidential candidate.
He also praised the patience and peaceful conduct of voters, noting that the seamless coordination of the exercise demonstrated the organisational strength of the ruling party ahead of future elections.
Sanwo-Olu further disclosed that he had earlier accompanied President Bola Tinubu to cast his vote at Ward L2, Ikoyi-Obalende in Eti-Osa Local Government Area.
He expressed optimism that the outcome of the primary election would strengthen unity within the APC and position the party for continued electoral success at the national level.
Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the peaceful conduct of members at the polling unit demonstrated the maturity and unity within the party ahead of future electoral activities.
He also expressed appreciation to party faithful and journalists for their orderly conduct and support during the exercise.
Party supporters and residents were seen at the voting venue during the exercise, while security operatives maintained order throughout the process.
