Wike-Backed PDP Names Running Mate for 2027 Poll
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction supported by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike has reportedly settled on Babangida Umaru, the party’s National Vice‑Chairman for the North‑East, as the running mate to its presidential candidate Sandy Onor for the 2027 general elections.
A senior member of the Abdulrahman Mohammed‑led National Working Committee told The PUNCH, on condition of anonymity, that after extensive consultations with key stakeholders, the presidential candidate and the party leadership agreed on Umaru. The source added that the details of both candidates have already been uploaded to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s portal.
The nomination process, which began on June 27, involved the submission of Forms EC9 and EC9A through EC9E in line with Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026. The commission also set the window for governorship and state House of Assembly nomination forms from 9 a.m. on July 18 to 6 p.m. on August 8.
PDP National Publicity Secretary Mohammed Jungudo confirmed that the party has completed the upload of its National Assembly candidates and that the presidential and vice‑presidential candidates’ details have been submitted, though he declined to officially name the running mate.
Jungudo said the party will now focus on finalising governorship and state Assembly nominations before establishing campaign committees. He expressed confidence that legal disputes will not hinder the PDP’s preparations and urged candidates to work closely with party leaders and stakeholders at every level.
Turaki Faction Rejects Ticket, Upholds Jonathan Candidature
The interim National Working Committee led by Tanimu Turaki has rejected the Onor‑Umaru ticket, insisting that former President Goodluck Jonathan remains the PDP’s authentic presidential candidate. The faction’s publicity secretary, Ini Ememobong, stated that Jonathan has never renounced his candidacy and that the group is not concerned with the activities of the Wike‑backed leadership operating from the PDP secretariat at Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
Ememobong added that the issue of INEC access and the nomination portal will be resolved at the appropriate time, insisting that proper procedures will be followed and any irregularities corrected.
He criticised the Federal Government for failing to create an environment conducive to multi‑party democracy, noting that many Nigerians have lost trust in the electoral process due to perceptions of compromise. Ememobong reiterated that the Turaki faction is not interested in the selections made by the rival group and will not respond to their actions.
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