A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Chief Stanley Osifo, has declared his intention to run for the office of the president in the 2027 general elections.
Osifo, a 2019 Presidential aspirant, announced his new ambition in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday, outlining his campaign agenda tagged “Metamorphosis 2027.”
He said his campaign to challenge President Bola Tinubu for the party ticket would flag off from his ward at the right time, saying he would adopt a grassroots-driven political approach.
“I write to inform Nigerians of my declaration to run for the office of the President.
“We are not joking this time around, we are buying the form,” Osifo, who hails from Oluku Ward in Ovia NorthEast Local Government Area of Edo, said.
The aspirant described himself as “an international innovative entrepreneur and a national and global economic and political figure.”
He added that he had “carved a niche for integrity and pursuit of positive ideals through years of selfless service.”
Osifo said his aspiration was driven by patriotism and a desire to make Nigeria “the greatest nation globally.”
“I am a patriotic Nigerian with passion to enhance development and deliver quality service to citizens,” he added.
He said his campaign would focus on two key areas: economy and security.
Osifo noted that economic stability and security were interdependent and critical to national development.
“Our campaign is primarily focused on two germane areas: economy and security. A secure society is the foundation for sound economic structuring,” he said.
He said if elected, his government would focus on poverty reduction, political reform, economic growth and health sector development.
Others, according to him, are water resources, agriculture, mining, education, security, power, transport and technology advancement.
On poverty and cost of living, Osifo said his administration would implement deliberate strategies to improve citizens’ welfare.
Stating that agriculture would play a central role in tackling food insecurity, the aspirant said: “We will embark on a strategic fight against poverty, hunger and high cost of living.
“We will deal a devastating blow to hunger through functional macro and micro undertakings.”
On political reform, he promised to strengthen democracy and ensure the people’s will prevails.
Osifo also pledged introduce reforms to boost economic growth.
“The voice and will of Nigerians must prevail in governance and leadership,”he said.
In the health sector, he promised improved funding, partnerships and capacity building for practitioners.
He also pledged to improve access to potable water and rehabilitate dams for agriculture and power generation.
On agriculture, Osifo said his administration would promote value chains and support agribusiness.
“Youths will be encouraged and supported in agribusiness development,” he said.
He promised to strengthen mining regulations and revitalise steel production, including Ajaokuta Steel Company.
On industrialisation, he said free trade zones would be established across states to attract investments.
“We will audit and strengthen steel factories to boost productivity. We shall establish Free Trade Zones to accelerate exports and industrial growth,” he said.
He added that development finance institutions would be recapitalised to support small businesses.
In the area of education, Osifo pledged to improve funding, infrastructure and research support.
On security, he said his administration would adopt intelligence-driven strategies and regional interventions.
He also promised to prioritise federal character and ensure inclusiveness in governance.
Osifo said special intervention programmes would target unemployment, youth empowerment and vulnerable groups.
“We will initiate programmes to address unemployment and support the elderly and children,” he said.
On power, he pledged decentralisation and improved energy generation and distribution, saying “We shall boost the energy sector and tackle power shortages.”
He also promised to develop transport infrastructure through public-private partnerships.
On technology, Osifo said he would establish innovation hubs similar to Silicon Valley.
He added that entertainment and sports sectors would be strengthened to create jobs and national pride.
“We will harness the potential in entertainment and sports for economic growth,” he said.
Osifo said his plans would be executed through public and private funding mechanisms.
He urged Nigerians to support his ambition and vote for him in 2027.
“We will leverage public capital and private partnerships for project delivery. I seek the support of all Nigerians to achieve this vision,” he said.
He expressed confidence that Nigeria would achieve sustainable development under his leadership.
