Senator Onor is contesting the 2027 presidential election, taking the PDP form

Former Cross River District Senator, Sandy Onor, has declared his intention to run for president in the 2027 general elections on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Onor collected the PDP expression of interest and nomination form on Saturday in Abuja.

The former lawmaker, who spoke to the party leadership, said that his decision to run for the highest political office in the country followed pressure from stakeholders, including PDP leaders and members.

He described the PDP as a “legacy party” that has showcased the beauty of Nigeria and been an important milestone in the country’s development.

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Onor expressed optimism that the party has overcome its most challenging times and is now ready to consolidate its achievements.

He said: “For us, the main message remains the same: the people are the heart of this party. With the grace of God and the support of the Nigerian people, if given the ticket, we will win.”

Responding to a question from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike—who has expressed his support for President Bola Tinubu—Onor said Wike has the right to support the incumbent.

According to him, although Wike remains the leader of the PDP, the party maintains its independence to field its own presidential candidate.

He added that it would be unfair if Wike did not support Tinubu, who was then a minister.

He said the minister sought permission from the party before accepting a cabinet post.

“If Wike does not support President Tinubu, Nigerians will condemn him for his lack of integrity and honesty. He has the right to choose to support President Tinubu, and he has made that choice open and clear.

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

PDP National Chairman, Abdulraman Mohammed, who handed over the form to Onor, described him as a popular Nigerian who has the energy to lead his country to greater heights.

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