- The PDP has sold out its first expression of interest and nomination form for the 2027 presidential election to Sandy Onor
- Onor is the governorship candidate of the PDP in Cross River in the 2023 general election and a strong ally of Nyesom Wike, the minister of the FCT
- This is coming as Wike, the PDP leader, has vowed to support the second-term ambition of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election
Sandy Onor, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross Rivers State, has become the first person to purchase the party’s presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections.
Onor, who is a strong ally of Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was the first aspirant to obtain the presidential nomination forms under the PDP.
Photo Credit: @NigAffairs
Source: Twitter
The development brought a sharp focus to the balancing act within the PDP, where the FCT minister is supporting the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the election amid the PDP’s position to have its own candidate and challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Vanguard reported that Onor is a former senator and a prominent member within the minister’s political bloc. While addressing journalists in Abuja on Saturday, May 2, after obtaining the forms, he said the decision was a result of sustained pressure from party supporters in the country.
His statement reads:
“I’m sure you have witnessed the fact that I have accomplished a lot, and the rest of the process, you know, forms will be filled, and we will head into the nomination process proper.”
He also drew a clear line between the party’s direction and individual preference while responding to concerns over Wike’s support for President Tinubu.
However, Onor’s move has started generating reactions from Nigerians. Below are some of their reactions:
Adésọjí welcomed the move by the senator:
“While this move marks a notable development at the PDP Secretariat, we must look at substantive policy positions rather than just political maneuvering.”
Chris Aspirewealth criticised Onor’s move, being Wike’s friend:
“Who are they actually deceiving with this script? An ally of Wike (who is serving under an APC government) picking up a PDP presidential form? The math isn’t mathing. This looks like a strategic “placeholder” move or a plan to destabilise the party from the inside. We see the strings being pulled!”
Ekuri welcomed the move but questioned their sincerity about the development:
“First mover advantage in party primaries often signals intent, but in PDP’s current dynamics, it also raises questions about internal alignment and bloc influence ahead of 2027.”
Ọlánrèwájú Ìdòwú said that the move was a win for the FCT minister:
“Now, that is how you show off your worth. Seyi Makinde is left reeling on the floor. Wike doesn’t like losing.”
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Source: Legit.ng