The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has reduced its presidential aspirants to five contestants ahead of its presidential primary election to be held at the Eagle Square, Abuja, says Governor Simon Lalong.

Mr Lalong disclosed this on Channels TV on Tuesday morning. 

The Plateau governor revealed that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Bola Tinubu, ex-transport minister Rotimi Amaechi, Governors Kayode Fayemi and Dave Umahi were the shortlisted five aspirants following deliberations by APC governors and other party leaders. 

Other presidential aspirants were urged to step down, he added.

Mr Lalong also mentioned that the names of the “frontline candidates” were submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari, who gave his approval.

“The president told us any of these five are qualified to be president and have contributed to the party. He said he is comfortable with any of them,” Mr Lalong told Channels TV. “Our recommendation is to enable us to give direction for the party as we go into the primary. We cannot go with everybody, but in our view, these are the people we think should remain.”

Mr Lalong said aspirants dissatisfied with the decision could still contest the primary election.

The governor’s statement contradicted reports that APC chairman Abdullahi Adamu announced Senate President Ahmad Lawan as the party’s consensus presidential candidate.