2027 not about number of governors but Nigerians’ choice – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that the 2027 general elections will not be determined by the number of governors in any political party, but by the collective will of Nigerians.

Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagum, made this assertion on Thursday in Abuja while reacting to the recent defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and former Vice Presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Damagum, who spoke during the presentation of the certificate of return to the PDP governorship candidate for the November 8 Anambra election, Ambassador Jude Ezenwafor, described the defection as “very sad and unfortunate.”

“If there is any state that should have remained loyal to the PDP, it is Delta, because the party has been very magnanimous,” he said.

He maintained that the outcome of the 2027 elections would not be dictated by the number of governors but by Nigerians themselves, citing the performance of Peter Obi in the 2023 elections despite not having any governor in his corner.

He accused President Bola Tinubu of deploying intimidation, coercion, and inducements to woo PDP members into the APC, saying ordinary Nigerians continue to suffer the consequences of APC’s policies.

Damagum stated, “This election is not APC versus any governor or senator—it is APC versus Nigerians,”

“I urge Nigerians to rise and rescue themselves from the hardship inflicted by the ruling party.”

He added, “We believe that our fate lies in the hands of God. You may have your strategies, but you cannot outmaneuver God.”

Damagum expressed optimism about the PDP’s chances in Anambra, applauding Ezenwafor for his resilience in clinching the party’s ticket.

He assured, “I know it’s not been easy, but your sincerity and commitment will see us through. Victory will be yours.

“I’m going to ensure that everyone is back on board, and you’ll have our full support.”

Meanwhile, the Presidency has taken a swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, saying his political future is in disarray following recent defections within the PDP.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a post on his verified X handle, mocked the coalition Atiku is reportedly spearheading, which includes former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, ex-SGF Babachir Lawal, and Labour Party vice-presidential candidate Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed.

Onanuga wrote, “Atiku’s political future looks bleak

“The coalition he is cobbling together has collapsed. Even his former allies like Okowa and members of the defunct CPC are distancing themselves from his leprous group. Atiku is a loser again.”

Echoing Onanuga, another presidential aide, Tunde Rahman, described the recent defections as a significant setback for Atiku.

According to Rahman, “This is the biggest shocker ever for Atiku. With the exit of Okowa and Oborevwori, his political base is crumbling.”