Former Cross River Senator says PDP remains Nigeria’s strongest opposition platform despite internal challenges
Former Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor, has officially joined the 2027 presidential race under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), pledging to restore the party’s democratic legacy and reposition it ahead of the next general elections.
Onor declared his intention after obtaining the PDP expression of interest and nomination forms at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
The former lawmaker said his decision to contest followed extensive consultations with party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters across the country who believe the PDP still has the capacity to provide credible leadership for Nigeria.
Speaking during the declaration, Onor described the PDP as a legacy political party that played a major role in stabilising Nigeria’s democracy since 1999, stressing that the party remains strong despite recent internal disagreements.
He noted that the PDP would overcome its current challenges and emerge more united ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to him, Nigerians are in need of purposeful leadership capable of addressing insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, and other pressing national concerns.
Onor also reacted to concerns surrounding the political position of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who has openly supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The former senator maintained that Wike’s personal political stance does not represent the official position of the PDP, insisting that the opposition party would present a formidable presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
He further stated that internal democracy remains active within the PDP and expressed confidence that the party would reclaim power through unity, reconciliation, and strategic mobilisation.
Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor previously served as senator for Cross River Central in the 9th National Assembly and was also the PDP governorship candidate in Cross River State during the 2023 general election.
