PDP chieftain Sandy Onor purchases presidential nomination form and declares Wike’s support for Tinubu a personal stance, not the party’s position.
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Sandy Onor, has formally entered the race for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election after purchasing the party’s Expression of Interest and Nomination forms, becoming the first aspirant to do so under the PDP platform.
Onor acquired the forms at a combined cost of ₦51 million, signaling an early move in what is expected to be a highly competitive contest within the party ahead of the next general election cycle.
Speaking after completing the process, the senator addressed growing concerns within the PDP over the political stance of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, particularly his open support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Onor clarified that Wike’s support for Tinubu is a personal decision and does not represent the official position or direction of the PDP as a political party.
He emphasized that while Wike remains an influential figure within the party, his individual political choices should not be interpreted as binding on the party or its members.
According to him, the PDP remains committed to fielding its own presidential candidate and contesting the 2027 election independently.
The PDP had earlier commenced the sale of its nomination forms on April 27, with the process scheduled to close on May 4, setting a tight timeline for aspirants to declare their intentions and complete necessary procedures.
Onor noted that his decision to run for president was influenced by widespread encouragement from party stakeholders across the country, reflecting internal support for his candidacy.
He also acknowledged Wike’s leadership role within the PDP but maintained that leadership does not equate to unilateral control over the party’s political direction.
In his remarks, Onor defended Wike’s position from a personal standpoint, stating that as a serving minister in the current administration, the FCT minister has the right to support the government he is part of.
However, he stressed that such support should be viewed strictly as an individual stance rather than a reflection of the PDP’s collective position.
The development highlights ongoing tensions and differing alignments within the PDP, particularly as the party prepares for the 2027 elections amid shifting political alliances across Nigeria.
Observers note that Wike’s open support for a rival party’s president has generated debate within the PDP, raising questions about party unity and strategic direction.
Despite these challenges, Onor expressed confidence in the PDP’s ability to remain competitive, insisting that the party will present a credible candidate capable of challenging for power at the national level.
He also outlined his vision of leadership, pledging to govern with responsibility, capacity, and commitment if given the mandate by the party and ultimately by Nigerian voters.
The senator further emphasized the importance of democratic choice, urging Nigerians to evaluate candidates and make decisions based on their expectations for governance.
As the first aspirant to obtain the PDP presidential forms, Onor’s move sets the tone for what is expected to be an active primary season, with more aspirants likely to emerge in the coming weeks.
Political analysts suggest that early declarations such as this can provide strategic advantages, allowing candidates to build momentum, engage stakeholders, and shape the narrative ahead of formal campaigns.
At the same time, internal cohesion within the party will be critical in determining its overall strength heading into the election.
The evolving dynamics within the PDP reflect broader trends in Nigerian politics, where alliances, endorsements, and individual political decisions continue to shape party structures and electoral strategies.
Ultimately, Onor’s entry into the race and his comments on Wike’s position underscore the complexities of party politics in Nigeria, as the PDP navigates internal differences while preparing for a crucial electoral contest in 2027.