Sandy Onor May Emerge PDP Presidential Candidate, Can Defeat Tinubu — Party Spokesperson

PDP says former senator could clinch ticket unopposed ahead of 2027 elections

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By John Ishaku | Abuja, Nigeria | May 5, 2026

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has indicated that former Cross River Central senator, Sandy Onor, could emerge as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, said Onor has already obtained the party’s nomination form and may secure the ticket if no other aspirant joins the race.

Speaking on Sunrise Daily, a programme on Channels Television, Mohammed disclosed that the former lawmaker is currently the only confirmed aspirant within the faction of the party he represents.

“Senator Sandy Onor has picked our presidential nomination form. If no other aspirant comes forward before the close of sales, he automatically becomes our candidate,” he said.

He described Onor as a capable and experienced politician, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the party into the 2027 contest.

Confidence in Defeating Tinubu

Mohammed also asserted that the PDP stands a strong chance of defeating incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next election cycle.

“Why not? He can defeat Tinubu very well,” the spokesperson stated when asked about Onor’s prospects.

He maintained that despite internal challenges, the PDP remains focused on reclaiming power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

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Wike’s Position Sparks Debate

Addressing concerns over the stance of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who has publicly supported President Tinubu, Mohammed dismissed claims of anti-party activity.

He argued that Wike’s position reflects his constitutional rights as a political appointee.

“He is entitled to his opinion. Supporting the President does not amount to anti-party conduct,” he said.

Leadership Crisis Deepens

The development comes amid ongoing leadership disputes within the PDP. The party’s Board of Trustees, led by Adolphus Wabara, recently announced a 13-member interim National Working Committee headed by Tanimu Turaki.

The move followed a Supreme Court of Nigeria judgment that nullified the Ibadan national convention, creating what some party stakeholders described as a leadership vacuum.

However, Mohammed rejected this interpretation, insisting that the Wabara-led group lacks the authority to convene key party meetings or restructure its leadership.

As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, the PDP faces the dual challenge of resolving internal disputes while positioning itself as a viable opposition force. The potential emergence of Sandy Onor as its presidential candidate highlights both the party’s evolving strategy and the urgency of consolidating unity ahead of the polls.