PDP faction will contest 2027, law backs us – Umar Sani
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Sani, has declared that his opposition party faction will participate in the 2027 general elections, insisting that the law supports their
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Sani, has declared that his opposition party faction will participate in the 2027 general elections, insisting that the law supports their position despite the ongoing leadership dispute.
Speaking during a national television interview on Thursday, Sani expressed confidence that members of his faction should begin preparations for the polls, maintaining that their legitimacy is not in doubt.
“We are telling them with our full chest that the law is on our side, the facts are on our side, and we are going to contest the election in 2027,” he said.
Sani was responding to remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who had backed the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee as the PDP's authentic leadership.
The PDP chieftain argued that the leadership dispute had already been settled by the Supreme Court, noting that the party was awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment to present to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The issue has already been settled. This is a matter that the highest court of the land has made a pronouncement,” Sani stated, adding that INEC would be compelled to comply with the ruling once the CTC is submitted.
He dismissed claims that the party remains divided over issues such as control of bank accounts and offices, describing such narratives as misleading.
“The issue of bank account or no bank account, they are all diversionary… when in actual fact, there is no problem, and the only problem has been permanently resolved by the apex court,” he said.
Sani further maintained that his faction constitutes the party's legitimate leadership, insisting, “By the law, we are the authentic PDP.”
He also accused Wike of attempting to intimidate members of the faction through public statements, adding that their activities, including meetings and mobilisation, have continued uninterrupted.
“What he has said is merely intimidation tactics… he knows we have been holding meetings,” Sani said.
According to him, political activities within the faction are already gaining traction, with aspirants reportedly purchasing nomination forms ahead of future elections.
“So, Nigerians are confident that we are on the right path,” he added.
