Wike-backed PDP screens presidential candidate, guber aspirants
The Nyesom Wike-backed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Screening Committee for the presidential election, led by the former Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, has screened Senator Sandy Ojang Onor for the party’s presidential primary. Addressing journalists shortly after the screening, Onor declared his readiness for the election. He vowed that the governors within the ruling […]
The Nyesom Wike-backed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Screening Committee for the presidential election, led by the former Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, has screened Senator Sandy Ojang Onor for the party’s presidential primary.
Addressing journalists shortly after the screening, Onor declared his readiness for the election.
He vowed that the governors within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would not be able to save President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from defeat.
Onor, a member of the 9th Senate, stated that if he secures the PDP ticket and wins the 2027 presidential election, his administration will maintain the removal of fuel subsidies. However, he emphasized that his focus would be on accountability, which he claimed is currently lacking.
The aspirant expressed dissatisfaction with state governors who continue to withhold local government funds despite the Supreme Court verdict granting financial autonomy to the 774 local government councils in the country.
“I will ensure that local governments are adequately funded by providing direct access to their allocations from the Federation Account, without subjecting them to the mercy of state governors,” Onor said.
He further argued that the APC’s control of the majority of states does not guarantee victory, noting that “some of these governors are not popular in their states. It is the people who will vote, not the governors.”
“I am in the race to win and believe the PDP is a credible and strong platform. We thank God we have overcome our challenges and are now a formidable force,” he added.
Gubernatorial screenings
In addition to the presidential hopeful, over 20 governorship aspirants from across the country were also screened.
Speaking after the exercise, Enugu State governorship aspirant Samson Nnamani criticized the ongoing “smart school” initiative in his state, alleging that the project has failed to deliver the expected impact.
While assessing the performance of the current administration, Nnamani questioned the achievements of Governor Peter Mbah, particularly regarding smart schools, healthcare facilities, markets, and motor park projects. The governorship hopeful alleged that the current administration relies more on publicity than on practical achievements on the ground.