PDP Celebrates Publication of Onor as Presidential Candidate for 2027 Elections

The Peoples Democratic Party, led by Minister Nyesom Wike, is celebrating the announcement of its presidential candidate by the Independent National Electoral Commission. This news has put an end to months of uncertainty about the party's role in the 2027 presidential election.

The party said those who thought it would not have a candidate are now proven wrong.

The PDP is excited about Senator Sandy Onor being named as its presidential candidate, along with his running mate, Babangida Umar. They are listed in INEC’s official candidates’ list, marking a significant step in the party’s preparations for the upcoming elections.

In a statement released on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the PDP said this announcement has "effectively laid to rest" what they call a wave of misinformation aimed at shaking people's trust in the party.

The statement said, "Of particular significance is the publication of the names of our presidential candidate, Distinguished Senator Sandy Ojang Onor, and his running mate, Alhaji Babangida Umar, who will proudly fly the flag of our great party in the 2027 presidential election."

The party views this as a confirmation of its leadership after facing claims that internal issues would stop them from presenting candidates.

They stated, "This development has effectively laid to rest the sustained misinformation and propaganda by those who desperately sought to convince Nigerians that the PDP would not field a presidential candidate."

The PDP added, "For months, these unfounded claims were deployed as a campaign tool to mislead Nigerians, discourage our supporters and create doubts about the future of our party. Today, the facts have prevailed, the law has taken its course, and the PDP has once again been vindicated."

The party thanked its members and supporters, both in Nigeria and abroad, for standing firm during what they described as a tough time.

The PDP also praised INEC, the judiciary, and security agencies for their commitment to the rule of law and constitutional order.

They stressed their commitment to reconciliation and asked aggrieved members to return, saying unity is key to regaining political power.

The party welcomed back former members and recent defectors, calling their return a sign of renewed faith in the PDP’s vision and leadership.

This statement came after INEC published the final list of presidential and National Assembly candidates for the 2027 general election.

Recently, the PDP faced internal leadership fights and legal challenges that raised doubts about their ability to finish the nomination process on time.

The party noted that this news is a big setback for the faction led by former Minister Tanimu Turaki, which had chosen former President Goodluck Jonathan as its candidate for the 2027 elections.

Last week, that faction claimed it manually submitted its candidate's name to the electoral commission because it could not get the access code needed for electronic submission.