The Peoples Democratic Party faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the publication of its presidential ticket by the Independent National Electoral Commission has ended widespread doubts over the party’s participation in the 2027 presidential election.
The group said the appearance of its presidential candidate, Sandy Onor, and running mate, Babangida Umar, on INEC’s final list of candidates marks a significant step in the party’s preparations for the general election and disproves claims that it would be unable to field a candidate.
In a statement released on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the PDP maintained that the publication had “effectively laid to rest” months of misinformation and propaganda aimed at creating uncertainty about the party’s future.
The statement read, “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.”
According to the party, the latest development has vindicated its leadership after prolonged speculation that its internal disagreements would stop it from presenting candidates for the election.
“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.
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,” it stated.
The party also expressed gratitude to its members and supporters at home and abroad for remaining loyal despite what it described as a difficult period.
“We must express our profound appreciation to millions of Nigerians and commend the resilience and patience of our loyal party members across the world who kept faith with the PDP and refused to be swayed by deliberate falsehoods.
“Your confidence in the PDP and in our leadership has inspired us to remain focused on rebuilding the party and preparing it for victory in 2027,” the statement added.
The PDP further commended INEC, the judiciary and security agencies for upholding the rule of law and carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
“The leadership of the party extends its appreciation to the Independent National Electoral Commission, the judiciary and all relevant security agencies for remaining committed to upholding the rule of law and for discharging their constitutional responsibilities without fear or favour,” the statement further read.
Reaffirming its commitment to reconciliation, the party called on aggrieved members to return, stressing that unity remains crucial to reclaiming political power.
“As we move forward, the PDP reiterates its commitment to genuine reconciliation, inclusiveness and internal cohesion.
“We extend an open hand to every aggrieved member, believing that the collective interest of the party is greater than individual differences and that unity remains the surest path to restoring our party to its rightful place as Nigeria’s foremost democratic platform,” it added.
The party also welcomed returning members and recent defectors, saying their decision reflected renewed confidence in its leadership and vision.
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“We warmly welcome all returning members and new defectors across the country who recently chose to identify once again with the ideals and vision of the Peoples Democratic Party.
“Together, we shall build a stronger and more formidable party capable of meeting the aspirations of the Nigerian people. Your decision reflects the growing confidence of Nigerians in our party as the most credible platform to rescue, rebuild and reposition our nation,” it stated.
The PDP further assured Nigerians that its leadership under National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu would offer a credible and unifying alternative in the 2027 elections.
“The PDP offers a credible, competent and unifying alternative capable of restoring hope, strengthening national unity and delivering purposeful leadership,” the party said.
The statement followed INEC’s publication of the final list of presidential and National Assembly candidates for the 2027 general election.
The party has faced months of internal leadership disputes and legal battles that triggered concerns over whether it would complete its nomination process before the statutory deadline.
The latest development is also seen as a setback for the rival PDP faction led by former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), which adopted former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
The Turaki-led faction had last week claimed it manually submitted the names of its presidential candidate to INEC after failing to obtain the access code required for electronic submission.