2027: Wike PDP celebrates as INEC lists Onor as presidential candidate

The Peoples Democratic Party faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has welcomed the publication of its presidential candidate by the Independent National Electoral Commission, saying the development has settled questions about the party’s participation in the 2027 presidential election. The reaction came on Sunday after INEC released its final list of presidential and National Assembly candidates.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the faction said the inclusion of Senator Sandy Onor as its presidential candidate and Babangida Umar as his running mate marked an important step in its preparations for the 2027 polls.

The party said the publication of the names has ended months of claims that it would not be able to present a presidential candidate because of its internal leadership crisis. It maintained that the electoral commission’s action has confirmed that the party completed its nomination process in line with the law.

According to the faction, the release of the candidates’ list has answered those who doubted the party’s ability to remain in the race. It said the development has restored confidence among its members and supporters after months of uncertainty caused by political disagreements and court cases.

The Wike-backed PDP also thanked its members and supporters across Nigeria and in the diaspora for remaining loyal throughout the internal crisis. It also appreciated the Independent National Electoral Commission, the judiciary and security agencies for carrying out their responsibilities during the process.

The party called on aggrieved members to return and work together, saying unity would be necessary as preparations for the 2027 general election continue. It also welcomed new members and recent defectors, describing their decision to join the party as a sign of renewed confidence in its leadership.

The latest development follows months of leadership disputes within the PDP, which led to the emergence of different factions with separate presidential candidates. One of the rival groups, led by former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Tanimu Turaki, had adopted former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate and claimed it manually submitted his name to INEC after failing to obtain the electronic submission access code.

With INEC now publishing Senator Sandy Onor and Babangida Umar as the party’s presidential ticket, the Wike-backed faction believes the issue has been settled as attention shifts to preparations for the 2027 general election.