As the 2027 general elections approach, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has framed the upcoming vote as more than just a political contest—it sees it as a referendum on the everyday hardships faced by Nigerians.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday while presenting the Certificate of Return to Chief Ezenwafor Jude, the PDP’s candidate for the Anambra State governorship election, Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum used the occasion to reflect on the broader national stakes.
“This election in 2027 is not about how many governors or leaders you have. It’s about Tinubu and Nigerians,” Damagum said, emphasizing the disconnect between current leadership and the public’s suffering under the present administration.
He urged citizens to view the election as a critical opportunity to demand change and accountability, saying, “The ordinary man is feeling the pain. This election is APC versus Nigerians—not APC versus governors or senators. It’s time for us to unite and free ourselves from the hardship that was deliberately imposed on us.”
Damagum’s remarks also touched on recent political shifts within the PDP, particularly the high-profile defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire state executive council to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Expressing his disappointment, Damagum noted that Delta State had enjoyed significant support from the PDP over the years.
“It’s unfortunate. If there’s any state that shouldn’t have defected, it’s Delta. The party has been generous to them. I’m grateful they didn’t accuse us of any wrongdoing—only good,” he said.
He acknowledged that while the defection may be a personal decision, it has left an emotional impact on loyal party members.
“We gave Delta our full backing—from Okowa’s emergence to his vice-presidential candidacy. We did everything for them. This move was unexpected,” he added. “But the PDP is resilient. We’ve weathered worse and are still standing.”