The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has assured the International Republican Institute (IRI) Pre-Election Assessment Mission of its preparedness to participate in the 2027 general elections.

The PDP National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, gave the assurance when the IRI Foreign Pre-Election Assessment Mission, led by former United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs and former U.S. Ambassador to South Africa, Jendayi Frazier, visited the party’s national secretariat in Abuja yesterday.

The delegation included IRI President, Dr Daniel Twining; IRI African Regional Director, Jenai Cox; and IRI West African Regional Programme Director, Sentell Barnes.

Speaking during the meeting, Mohammed welcomed the delegation to the PDP national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, describing the party as a democratic organisation rooted in the aspirations of Nigerians.

He said the PDP remained committed to ensuring that the electorate played a decisive role in determining the leadership of the country through credible elections.

According to him, the outcome of the Osun State governorship election, which took place two days earlier, demonstrated the capacity of Nigerians to exercise their franchise and choose leaders of their preference.

“We are Peoples Democratic Party, and we belong to the people of Nigeria. Our yearning and aspiration is to give responsibility to the electorate,” he said.

Mohammed added that the PDP had remained a democratic party with structures across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as the 774 local government areas.

He assured the IRI mission that the party was fully prepared for the 2027 elections and would provide further details on its strategy and preparations during the engagement.

Earlier, Cox said the mission was in Nigeria to engage a broad range of stakeholders and assess the political environment and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

She said the team would examine the preparations being made by political parties and identify issues that would require attention as the country approaches the elections.

“Our pre-election assessment mission delegation is here to learn more from a variety of stakeholders about the pre-election period and preparations ahead of the general election,” she said.

Cox explained that the mission would assess the political situation, preparations for the elections and the activities of political parties, while seeking the perspectives of different stakeholders.

She disclosed that the mission would share recommendations with stakeholders at the end of its assessment, with a preliminary statement expected to be made available later in the week.

The IRI delegation’s visit forms part of its engagement with key stakeholders ahead of the 2027 general elections, as political parties and other actors intensify preparations for the polls.