The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party loyal to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has declared that the publication of its presidential candidate by the Independent National Electoral Commission has put to rest months of speculation over its participation in the 2027 presidential election.

This is as the party said those who predicted that it would fail to produce a candidate have been proven wrong.

The party described the inclusion of its presidential candidate, Sandy Onor, and his running mate, Babangida Umar, on INEC’s published list of candidates as a major milestone in its preparations for the 2027 general election.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the PDP said the publication had “effectively laid to rest” what it called sustained misinformation and propaganda aimed at undermining confidence in the party.

The statement read, “Of particular significance is the publication of the names of our presidential candidate, Distinguished Senator Sandy Ojang Onor, and his running mate, Alhaji Babangida Umar, who will proudly fly the flag of our great party in the 2027 presidential election.”

According to the party, the development had vindicated its leadership after months of claims that internal disputes would prevent it from fielding candidates for the election.

“This development has effectively laid to rest the sustained misinformation and propaganda by those who desperately sought to convince Nigerians that the PDP would not field a presidential candidate.

“For months, these unfounded claims were deployed as a campaign tool to mislead Nigerians, discourage our supporters and create doubts about the future of our party.

“Today, the facts have prevailed, the law has taken its course, and the PDP has once again been vindicated,” it stated.

The opposition party expressed appreciation to its members and supporters across the country and in the diaspora for remaining steadfast during what it described as a challenging period.

“We must express our profound appreciation to millions of Nigerians and commend the resilience and patience of our loyal party members across the world who kept faith with the PDP and refused to be swayed by deliberate falsehoods.

“Your confidence in the PDP and in our leadership has inspired us to remain focused on rebuilding the party and preparing it for victory in 2027,” the statement added.

The PDP also commended INEC, the judiciary and security agencies for what it described as their commitment to the rule of law and constitutional order.

“The leadership of the party extends its appreciation to the Independent National Electoral Commission, the judiciary and all relevant security agencies for remaining committed to upholding the rule of law and for discharging their constitutional responsibilities without fear or favour,” the statement further read.

Reaffirming its commitment to reconciliation, the party appealed to aggrieved members to return, saying unity remained essential to reclaiming political power.

“As we move forward, the PDP reiterates its commitment to genuine reconciliation, inclusiveness and internal cohesion.

“We extend an open hand to every aggrieved member, believing that the collective interest of the party is greater than individual differences and that unity remains the surest path to restoring our party to its rightful place as Nigeria’s foremost democratic platform,” it added.

The party also welcomed returning members and recent defectors, describing their decision as evidence of renewed confidence in the PDP’s vision and leadership.

“We warmly welcome all returning members and new defectors across the country who recently chose to identify once again with the ideals and vision of the Peoples Democratic Party.

“Together, we shall build a stronger and more formidable party capable of meeting the aspirations of the Nigerian people. Your decision reflects the growing confidence of Nigerians in our party as the most credible platform to rescue, rebuild and reposition our nation,” it stated.

It further assured Nigerians that its leadership under National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, would provide a credible and unifying alternative in the 2027 elections.

“The PDP offers a credible, competent and unifying alternative capable of restoring hope, strengthening national unity and delivering purposeful leadership,” the party said.

The statement follows the publication by INEC of the final list of presidential and National Assembly candidates for the 2027 general election.

In recent months, the party had been engulfed by internal leadership disputes and legal battles that fuelled speculation over its ability to conclude its nomination process before the statutory deadline.

The development has dealt a big blow to the faction led by former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), which adopted former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate in the 2027 election.

Last week, the faction claimed that it manually submitted the names of its flagbearer to the electoral commission as it did not secure an access code to do so electronically.