A former member of the National Assembly, Sandy Onor, has declared his intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 general elections on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Mr Onor, who represented Cross River Central Senatorial District in the Ninth Assembly, formalised his intention on Saturday at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, where he obtained his expression of interest and nomination forms.

Addressing the party’s leadership, the former lawmaker said his decision to run was driven by pressure from stakeholders, including PDP leaders and members, who urged him to contest the office.

He described the PDP as a “party of legacy” that has showcased the beauty of Nigeria and established significant landmarks in the country’s development.

Mr Onor expressed optimism that the party had overcome its most challenging times and was now ready to consolidate its gains.

“For us, the central message remains the same: people are the centrepiece of this party. By the grace of God and the support of Nigerians, if given the ticket, we shall win,” he said.

Responding to questions regarding the party’s national leader and Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike—who has expressed support for President Bola Tinubu—Mr Onor stated that Mr Wike has the right to support the incumbent.

According to him, while Mr Wike remains a leader within PDP, the party maintains the independence to field its own presidential candidate.

He added that it would be unfair if Mr Wike did not support Mr Tinubu, under whose tenure he is serving as a minister, noting that the FCT minister had taken permission from the party before accepting the cabinet position.

“If Wike does not support President Tinubu, Nigerians will condemn him for lacking in integrity and probity. He has the right to choose to support President Tinubu, and he has made that choice open and obvious.

“I think anyone with integrity should act that way. But the fact that he, as an individual and even as a leader of the party, has chosen to support the president does not mean that that is the direction the party will go,” Mr Onor said.

He pledged that if handed the party’s ticket, he would contest with capacity and courage, leaving Nigerians to make their final choice.

The PDP National Chairman, Abdulraman Mohammed, who presented the forms to Mr Onor, described him as a popular Nigerian with the energy to lead the country to a higher level.

Mr Mohammed noted that as a professor with an “intimidating profile,” Mr Onor would be a formidable candidate for the party.

He advised the presidential aspirant to leverage his experience as a former local government chairman and state party chairman to reach out to Nigerians nationwide.

“You are a well-known product across the federation. You rose to the position of deputy chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and served as a distinguished senator.

“You are well-connected with the 774 local governments, which gives you the reach needed for the 36 states and the FCT,” he said.

The national chairman assured the public that the PDP remains open to all members who wish to contest any elective position in the 2027 general elections.

“The platform is open to all individuals. Our officers are available 24 hours a day for those willing to contest. We are not here to deny any member their fundamental right to run for office,” he added.

The Deputy National Organising Secretary, Efere Austine, said the move would dispel rumours that the PDP would not field a presidential candidate in 2027.

“Today is a milestone. It shows the world that PDP is ready for the presidential election.

“This also douses the tension created by naysayers and those accusing our national leader, Wike, of preventing the party from fielding a candidate. They will now see that this is the real PDP,” Mr Austine said.

Mr Onor was received by several members of the party’s national working committee, including the national youth leader, national woman leader and national auditor, among others.

(NAN)