The faction says Sandy Onor’s inclusion on INEC’s 2027 candidate list ends speculation that the party would fail to field a presidential candidate

The Peoples Democratic Party faction aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has welcomed the Independent National Electoral Commission’s publication of its 2027 presidential candidate, describing the development as a decisive victory over months of speculation about the party’s ability to participate in the presidential election.

Also read: Wike Dares Critics, Risks Resignation Over FCT Roads

The faction said the listing of Senator Sandy Ojang Onor and his running mate, Babangida Umar, on INEC’s published list of candidates had effectively settled questions over whether the PDP would field a presidential ticket amid its prolonged internal disputes and legal battles.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, said in a statement issued on Sunday that the development had also vindicated the faction’s leadership against those who predicted that the opposition party would fail to complete its nomination process.

“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,” the statement said.

According to the faction, the publication had brought an end to what it described as sustained misinformation intended to weaken confidence in the party and discourage its supporters ahead of 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,” the party said.

“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.”

The development represents a significant moment for the Wike-backed PDP, which has spent months navigating a difficult internal crisis involving competing factions, leadership disputes and court proceedings.

The party expressed appreciation to its members and supporters in Nigeria and abroad for remaining loyal during what it described as a challenging 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,” the statement added.

The faction also praised INEC, the judiciary and security agencies for what it described as their commitment to constitutional order and the rule of law.

“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,” it said.

Beyond celebrating the candidate list, the party used the occasion to renew its appeal for reconciliation, urging aggrieved members to return and stressing that unity would be essential to its ambitions for the 2027 election.

“As we move forward, the PDP reiterates its commitment to genuine reconciliation, inclusiveness and internal cohesion,” the statement said.

“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.”

The faction also welcomed returning members and recent defectors, portraying the movement as evidence of renewed confidence in the party’s political direction.

“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,” it said.

The party said its leadership, under National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, would work towards presenting what it described as a credible and unifying alternative to Nigerians in 2027.

“The PDP offers a credible, competent and unifying alternative capable of restoring hope, strengthening national unity and delivering purposeful leadership,” the statement said.

The development, however, comes against the backdrop of a parallel faction led by former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Tanimu Turaki, SAN, which adopted former President Goodluck Jonathan as its preferred presidential candidate.

The Turaki-led faction reportedly claimed last week that it manually submitted the names of its candidates to INEC after allegedly failing to obtain an access code required for electronic submission.

The competing claims highlight the depth of the internal crisis that has confronted the PDP as it prepares for the 2027 general election.

For the Wike-aligned faction, however, the publication of Onor and Umar’s names represents a major procedural milestone and an opportunity to shift attention from internal disputes towards the wider electoral contest.

Also read: Wike Criticises David Mark, Defends Tinubu’s Road Record

Whether the development will ultimately resolve the PDP’s factional disputes remains to be seen, but the party’s latest statement signals an effort to project unity, institutional legitimacy and readiness for the 2027 presidential race.