The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Sandy Onor, has pledged to prioritise rural development, tackle poverty and address insecurity if elected president in 2027, arguing that neglect of grassroots communities remains one of Nigeria’s biggest challenges.
Speaking shortly after emerging as the PDP’s presidential candidate through a voice consensus endorsement by delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Onor said successive administrations had failed rural Nigerians, where the majority of citizens reside.
According to him, his administration would focus on improving the welfare of ordinary Nigerians, including teachers, transport workers, unemployed youths and vulnerable populations.
“We are in this race to demonstrate that there is still a lot to do for Nigerians. Rural Nigeria, where the majority of our people live, has been neglected by successive administrations,” he said.
The former senator argued that reducing poverty in rural communities would significantly improve national security and economic stability.
“If I am able to address rural poverty and take our people as seriously as they ought to be taken, Nigeria will move forward,” he added.
Onor stressed the need for what he described as selfless leadership, accountability and discipline in governance, insisting that Nigeria’s widespread poverty persists despite abundant resources.
He also highlighted his experience across different levels of government, noting that he had served as a local government chairman, commissioner and senator.
“I’m the only candidate running with experience across the entire trajectory of our political hierarchy. I know exactly what to do,” he said, adding that his executive and legislative experience places him in a strong position to lead the country.
On insecurity, the PDP candidate maintained that the root cause of violence, banditry and terrorism is economic hardship, particularly in rural communities.
“Insecurity is fundamentally a function of rural poverty,” he said, arguing that gainful employment and economic opportunities for young people would reduce recruitment into criminal activities.
Onor also called for stronger implementation of local government autonomy, saying properly funded local councils would help address insecurity by creating jobs, supporting traditional institutions and strengthening local vigilante structures.
“The president was courageous enough to pursue local government autonomy through the Supreme Court, but implementation remains a challenge. I will insist that no governor should tamper with local government funds,” he said.
According to him, adequately funded local governments would reduce ungoverned spaces that often become breeding grounds for insecurity.
The PDP candidate expressed confidence in his readiness for the 2027 election, citing his age, experience and political background.
“If I were not prepared, I wouldn’t be here. I have the intellectual capacity, agility and momentum. I’m ready for this,” Onor stated.
Earlier in his speech, Chairman of Primary Election Committee, Sen. Samuel Ortom expressed gratitude to party members for conducting themselves according to the law of the party.
The party chairman, Hon. Mohammed Abdulrahman the just concluded primary election signals the readiness of the party to win the 2027 general election.
