In a significant development ahead of the 2027 general elections, a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Abdulrahman Mohammed has declared Senator Sandy Onor as its consensus presidential candidate. The announcement was made on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the party's national secretariat in Abuja.
Background of the PDP Crisis
The PDP, one of Nigeria's major political parties founded on August 31, 1998, has been grappling with internal strife since the 2022 presidential primary. This prolonged crisis has weakened the main opposition party, leading to factional divisions.
Announcement of Onor's Candidacy
Samuel Ortom, former governor of Benue state and chairman of the PDP presidential primaries collation committee, presented Onor as the consensus candidate. The committee had consulted party members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory before arriving at the decision.
According to Channels TV and TVC News, the exercise involved voice votes conducted among party members nationwide. Onor, who had earlier declared his intention to contest and obtained his expression of interest and nomination forms, emerged as the sole aspirant.
Oyo State PDP Affirms Onor
In a parallel event, the PDP in Oyo state affirmed Onor's candidacy on the same day. Party leaders and members gathered in Ibadan, where a voice vote conducted by state chairman Prof. Rahman Akinoso resulted in unanimous endorsement. This affirmation is expected to boost the party's internal consultations as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
INEC Monitors the Process
National Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including Abdullahi Zuru and Prof. Rhoda Habor Gumus, along with other officials, monitored the exercise at the PDP national secretariat. Following the announcement, Onor received a certificate of return and the party's flag.
An X video showing Senator Sandy Onor with his PDP certificate of return has been circulating online, generating reactions from political observers.
Reactions and Implications
The development comes amid reports of potential defections from the PDP. Former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose had earlier predicted that three more PDP governors are preparing to leave the party, describing the party's tickets as lacking political value.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the PDP's ability to unite and present a credible challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) remains in question. The factional endorsement of Onor may either consolidate support or deepen existing rifts.
Previous PDP News
- PDP govs' defections: 'South east can't be captured,' Obi breaks silence
- Diri's PDP resignation: Tinubu's minister mentions number of states APC would control before 2027 election
- Just In: Atiku speaks after casting vote in ADC election
- Fayose predicts more PDP govs' exit
Senator Sandy Onor, a former governorship candidate in Cross River state, now faces the challenge of building a broad coalition to contest the presidency. The coming months will reveal whether the PDP can overcome its internal challenges and mount a formidable campaign.
