The faction says it has completed the submission of its presidential ticket and National Assembly candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has announced the successful upload of its presidential and National Assembly candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) candidate nomination portal.
The faction disclosed that its presidential candidate, Sandy Onor, and vice-presidential candidate, Babangida Umaru, have been submitted through the portal alongside its National Assembly candidates.
The announcement was made on Sunday by the faction’s National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, who described the exercise as a major step in the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
According to Mohammed, the successful upload demonstrates the faction’s readiness to participate fully in the polls.
His announcement comes days after Mr Wike stated publicly that the PDP would struggle to win the 2027 presidential election unless it resolved its internal divisions and rebuilt its party structure.
Although Mr Wike is a member of the opposition PDP, he currently serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in President Bola Tinubu’s administration and has repeatedly declared his support for the president’s re-election bid.
Submission of candidates through INEC’s nomination portal is regarded as a key administrative stage in the electoral process, as political parties use the platform to submit the details of candidates for various elective positions.
The latest development unfolds against the backdrop of the PDP’s prolonged leadership dispute, which has produced rival factions laying claim to the party’s leadership and authority.
Alongside the Wike-backed camp is another faction led by former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki. Both groups maintain they represent the legitimate leadership of the party and possess the authority to nominate candidates for the 2027 elections.
The Turaki-led faction had earlier announced former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate, although the former Nigerian leader has not publicly acknowledged or accepted the nomination.
Mohammed said the upload fulfils the faction’s commitment to ensure the PDP remains on the ballot in 2027. He added that work is ongoing to complete the submission of governorship and State House of Assembly candidates.
He also congratulated party members across the country, expressing confidence that the faction would continue its efforts to strengthen the party ahead of the general elections.
