2027: INEC’s candidates list vindicates us, silences doubters — PDP

By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA — The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Sunday said the publication of its presidential and National Assembly candidates by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has put to rest months of speculation over its participation in the 2027 general elections, insisting the development vindicated the party and silenced its critics.

The declaration follows months of uncertainty over whether the opposition party would successfully field a presidential ticket after prolonged legal and leadership disputes fuelled speculation about its readiness for the 2027 polls. With INEC now publishing its candidates, the PDP says that debate has been settled.

The position was contained in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, who said the commission’s publication formally confirmed Distinguished Senator Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor as the PDP’s presidential candidate and Alhaji Babangida Umar as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

“Today, the facts have prevailed, the law has taken its course, and the PDP has once again been vindicated,” the party stated.

Jungudo said the publication had settled one of the biggest questions surrounding the PDP’s preparations for the next general election.

According to the spokesman, the commission’s action had effectively demolished what the party described as months of misinformation and propaganda aimed at convincing Nigerians that it would be unable to field a presidential candidate.

“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,” he said.

The statement also paid tribute to party members and supporters, saying their loyalty sustained the PDP through months of uncertainty and helped keep faith in the party’s rebuilding efforts.

“We must, therefore, 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 leadership of the party extends its appreciation to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 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,” Jungudo added.

Turning to internal affairs, the PDP reiterated its commitment to reconciliation, inclusiveness and cohesion, saying unity remained central to its preparations for the 2027 elections.

“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,” Jungudo stated.

He also welcomed returning members and recent defectors, saying their decision reflected growing confidence in the PDP’s electoral prospects and its vision for the country.

“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,” the PDP said.

The party further assured Nigerians that, under the leadership of its National Chairman, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed Takushara, and National Secretary, Distinguished Senator Samuel N. Anyanwu, it would offer what it described as ‘a credible, competent and unifying alternative’ capable of restoring hope, strengthening national unity and delivering purposeful leadership.

It said the publication of its candidates should reassure supporters that it remains firmly in the 2027 presidential race, describing the development as a major milestone in its efforts to rebuild, reunite and return to power.