Former Senator Sandy Onor Emerges PDP Consensus Candidate for 2027 Election

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced former Cross River senator and governorship candidate, Sandy Onor, as its consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. The announcement was made on Tuesday during the party’s presidential primary collation exercise at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja.

The declaration was made by the Chairman of the PDP Presidential Primary Election Committee and former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, who said the decision followed consultations across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. According to Ortom, the party adopted Onor through a consensus arrangement after internal consultations and voice votes among party members.

Onor reportedly emerged as the sole aspirant in the exercise after purchasing his nomination and expression of interest forms earlier this month. Party officials said the consensus move was aimed at demonstrating unity and stability within the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.

Following the announcement, PDP leaders presented Onor with the party flag and a certificate of return, formally affirming him as the party’s presidential flagbearer. Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including National Commissioners Abdullahi Zuru and Prof. Rhoda Habor Gumus, monitored the exercise.

In his acceptance speech, Onor promised to lead an issue-based campaign focused on national unity, security, poverty reduction, and economic revival. He described the PDP as the only opposition party with the structure and strength capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

However, reports indicate that the emergence of Onor came from a faction of the PDP led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, highlighting the continuing internal divisions within the opposition party as preparations intensify for the next general election.