…Says doubts over presidential ticket ended

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has welcomed the publication by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the names of candidates for the 2027 general elections, describing the development as proof that doubts over its ability to field a presidential candidate had been laid to rest.

 

In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, the party said the release of the names of its presidential candidate, Senator Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor, and running mate, Alhaji Babangida Umar, alongside its National Assembly candidates, marked a significant milestone in its preparations for the 2027 polls.

 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said the publication had effectively dispelled months of speculation and what it described as misinformation by political opponents who had claimed the party would be unable to present a presidential candidate.

 

According to the party, the development vindicates its leadership and demonstrates that due process has prevailed despite the prolonged internal leadership dispute that had cast uncertainty over its participation in the presidential election.

 

“For months, 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 statement said.

 

The opposition party expressed appreciation to its members and supporters across the country and in the diaspora for remaining steadfast during what it described as a challenging period in the party’s history.

 

It also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, the judiciary and security agencies for discharging their constitutional responsibilities, saying their commitment to the rule of law had strengthened public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

 

The PDP reiterated its commitment to reconciliation and internal cohesion, extending what it called “an open hand” to aggrieved members and stressing that unity remained essential to repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

The party also welcomed returning members and new entrants, saying recent defections reflected growing confidence in the PDP as a platform capable of providing an alternative to the ruling administration.

 

It maintained that under the leadership of National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed Takushara and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, the party remained focused on rebuilding its structures and presenting what it described as a credible and unifying leadership option for Nigerians.

 

The statement concluded with a congratulatory message to party members nationwide, expressing confidence that the PDP was better positioned to mount a strong challenge in the 2027 general elections.