By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
Professor Sandy Onor, a former Senator and two times’ Commissioner in Cross River, has emerged as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for next year’s general election.
Onor emerged through a consensus affirmation at an event held at the party’s national headquarters, Wadata House, Abuja on Tuesday.
The ceremony was witnessed by four National Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, including Prof Abdullahi Zuru and some Directors.
The Chairman of the party’s presidential election primary committee and former Governor of Benue State, Dr Samuel Ortom told the gathering that Prof Sandy Onor emerged through a consensus affirmation across the State, being the only aspirant of the party.
Ortom later presented a certificate of returns as well as the flag of the PDP to the professor of History and erstwhile governorship candidate in Cross River State.
In his acceptance speech, the PDP presidential candidate, who said that he takes the responsibility thrusted upon him yesterday with all seriousness, promised what he called, “a pan-Nigeria disposition”, adding that he will do justice to all, as President, ” with fear God in everything i do”.
He stressed that only PDP can compete with the ruling APC in the forthcoming 2027 general election.
His words, “We shall rise beyond partisanship. We shall give you direction. There is only one PDP. We are the legal PDP.
“PDP has the best presidential candidate among all the political parties in the country as of today”, he said.
Continuing, Onor said, “I shall fly your flag with courage, intellectual depth, and courage. I shall adopt a pan-Nigeria leadership and will suspense leadership with the fear of God.
“Let me assure you that we are here for a serious business, having listened to the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.”Onor said.
Commenting on the issue of opposition parties in Nigeria, Onor carpeted the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying the party is merely exhibiting a tendency characterised by a messiahnic attitude, where people like Alhaji Atiku, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwakwanso now berthed.
His words “Before we knew it, some of them had left their former ADC to the NDC again. That’s not how to do opposition or challenge a ruling party. Now, did you hear anything about them again?.
“The so-called opposition have disappeared under the weight of their own disagreement, but we are here with the capacity to contend with the ruling APC because we have overcome our worst nightmare, and we are consolidating very fast.
“Going forward, there is nothing we can not achieve. With accountability and probity, there is nothing that we can not achieve as a country. My presidency will make it possible.
“Our history tells us that before the advent of the white men, our people have been communing and coming together for a common purpose.
“This is the time to soar beyond our religion, geography, and ethnicity and rise beyond partisanship.
“As for us, we shall run a campaign that would lead us into victory.” Onor said.
The party candidate thereafter restated that there is only one PDP, charging the media especially to help in puncturing the notion.
In a brief speech, the party’s National Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu, described the presidential candidate as a round peg in a round hole.
“I am glad to announce that PDP has the best presidential candidate as we speak today. Please go round and check other candidates across party lines.” Anyanwu said.
END
