By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
The Interim National Working Committee (INWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by its National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki (SAN) on Wednesday presented Certificates of Return to the party’s governorship candidates and declared its readiness to contest and win elections across the country in 2027.
Speaking during the presentation of Certificate of Return (CoR) ceremony attended by the INWC, the Board of Trustees (BoT), state chairmen and party stakeholders on Wednesday in Abuja, Turaki said the PDP had successfully completed its nomination processes and was prepared to field candidates in every constituency where elections would be conducted.
He described the meeting as the first major gathering of party stakeholders since the inauguration of the Interim National Working Committee following the Supreme Court judgment that nullified the party’s previous convention.
According to him, the party embarked on an extensive process of consultations, screening and background checks on aspirants before issuing Certificates of Return.
“PDP will contest elections in every constituency where elections will be held in 2027. It is not just about contesting; it is about contesting to win,” Turaki declared.
He revealed that the party subjected candidates to rigorous screening, including security and background checks, to ensure that only credible individuals emerged as flag bearers.
The PDP chairman said some candidates whose clearances were still being processed would receive their certificates at a later date after outstanding issues had been resolved.
“We want leaders who are beyond reproach, leaders who are honest, credible and possess the capacity to deliver democratic dividends to the people,” he said.
Turaki further disclosed that candidates would be required to sign undertakings before their names are submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning against the defection of elected officials after securing victory on the party’s platform.
“What happened before will not happen again. Nobody will take our mandate to another political party and get away with it,” he stated.
Also speaking, the National Organising Secretary, Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan, said the party had successfully navigated a difficult period following the Supreme Court judgment and had emerged stronger.
He disclosed that the PDP had produced a full complement of candidates for the 2027 elections, including a presidential candidate, 28 governorship candidates, 109 senatorial candidates, 360 House of Representatives candidates and 993 candidates for state Houses of Assembly.
According to Shan, the party conducted ward-based primaries across the country and possesses evidence of the electoral process in every ward where candidates emerged.
“We are ready to go into the elections fully prepared with our candidates. The journey is just beginning, but we are confident that the PDP is on the path to recovery and victory,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the governorship candidates, the PDP governorship candidate for Adamawa State, Caleb Myebangare, pledged the commitment of all candidates to work for the party’s success in 2027.
He commended the leadership of the Interim National Working Committee for steering the party through difficult times and expressed confidence that the PDP remained the best platform to provide effective governance and restore hope to Nigerians.
“We are going to deliver our states and deliver Nigeria. PDP remains the only party that can bring back hope, fairness, discipline and inclusivity to the Nigerian people,” Myebangare said.
Some of the candidates that received the certificate include: Lawal Mohammed Umar (Kaduna), Hassan Oladimeji Ali (Kwara), Zanna Gadama Mustapha (Borno), Ibeabuchi Ihenechukwu (Abia), Effiong Eyamba (Cross River), Sherrig Abdullahi (Yobe), Donatus Nwogbo (Enugu), Eze Alexander (Ebonyi), Etenabene Benedict (Delta), Taofeek Arapaja (Oyo), Caleb Maigbadani (Adamawa), Mohammed Ahmed Yayari (Gombe), Victor Richard (Rivers), Senator Joel Ikenya (Taraba), Ibrahim Abdullahi (Kebbi), Mohammed Ja’afaru (Nasarawa), Oladelipopu Adebisi (Ogun), Mohammed Kabir (Kano), Emmanuel Agbo (Benue), Adetokumbo Pierce (Lagos) and Sunday Garba (Plateau).
