2027: PDP Faction Supported by Wike Rejoices as Electoral Commission Lists Onor as Presidential Nominee

The publication of the Peoples Democratic Party's presidential candidate by the Independent National Electoral Commission has brought an end to months of speculation regarding the party's participation in the 2027 presidential election, according to the party's leadership loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. This development has proven wrong those who predicted the party would fail to produce a candidate.

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The inclusion of Senator Sandy Onor, the party's presidential candidate, and his running mate, Babangida Umar, on INEC's published list of candidates, has been described as a major milestone in the party's preparations for the 2027 general election.

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In a statement issued on Sunday by National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the PDP stated that the publication has effectively laid to rest sustained misinformation and propaganda aimed at undermining confidence in the party.

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The statement highlighted the significance of the publication of the names of Senator Sandy Ojang Onor and his running mate, Alhaji Babangida Umar, who will represent the party in the 2027 presidential election.

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The party believes this development has vindicated its leadership after months of claims that internal disputes would prevent it from fielding candidates for the election.

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According to the party, the publication has put an end to misinformation and propaganda that the PDP would not field a presidential candidate, which were used to mislead Nigerians and discourage the party's supporters.

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The opposition party expressed gratitude to its members and supporters across the country and in the diaspora for remaining steadfast during a challenging period.

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

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The party reaffirmed its commitment to reconciliation, appealing to aggrieved members to return, as unity is essential to reclaiming political power.

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The PDP welcomed returning members and recent defectors, seeing their decision as evidence of renewed confidence in the party's vision and leadership.

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The statement followed the publication by INEC of the final list of presidential and National Assembly candidates for the 2027 general election.

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Recently, the party has faced internal leadership disputes and legal battles, fuelling speculation over its ability to conclude its nomination process before the statutory deadline.

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The development has dealt a major blow to the faction led by former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Tanimu Turaki, which adopted former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

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Last week, the faction claimed it manually submitted the name of its presidential candidate to the electoral commission because it did not secure the access code required for electronic submission.