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A former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Cross River State, Senator Prof Sandy Ojang Onor, has entered the party’s presidential contest after purchasing its nomination form, vowing to reposition the PDP and return it to national leadership.

Onor, who served as the senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District from 2019 to 2023, spoke shortly after obtaining the form at the PDP National Secretariat on Saturday, saying his decision was driven by appeals from party stakeholders and supporters nationwide, expressing confidence that the PDP remains Nigeria’s most viable platform for democratic governance.

Describing the PDP as a “legacy institution,” he said the party had played a defining role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.

“This is a party that has showcased the beauty of democracy, demonstrated resilience and given Nigeria direction and prosperity,” he said. “It remains a people-centred platform with the capacity to deliver national renewal.”
He acknowledged the party’s recent internal challenges but insisted it had emerged stronger and more united.

“We have overcome our worst anxieties and weathered the storm. If given the mandate, we will consolidate on these gains and lead the party to greater heights,” Onor added.

The aspirant also highlighted the PDP’s record of democratic conduct, noting its history of conceding electoral defeat in the national interest.

“If you have seen the PDP in its days of glory, then you should be confident that it is poised to surpass those achievements and lead Nigeria into a new phase of growth,” he said.

In his response, the party’s National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, welcomed Onor’s aspiration and assured him of the party’s support within the framework of a transparent process.

“We recognise your intention and vision. The party will provide the necessary guidance as the process unfolds,” he said, reaffirming the PDP’s commitment to internal democracy ahead of the presidential primaries.

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Ex-Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, is set to defect from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) next week, according to the Kwankwasiyya movement.

The development marks a significant shift in the opposition political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

Spokesman of the movement, Habibu Mohammed, said the decision followed unanimous endorsement by stakeholders.

He disclosed that representatives from all 44 local government areas in Kano met at Kwankwaso’s residence and agreed on the move.

“The stakeholders have unanimously given him the go-ahead to move to the NDC,” Mohammed said.

Mohammed added that former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, is also expected to join the NDC alongside Kwankwaso.

“I believe him, Peter Obi, and some others will be joining the NDC,” he said.

He noted that discussions with the NDC were about 90 per cent complete, with only minor issues left to be resolved.

The spokesperson said the decision was influenced largely by the lingering leadership crisis within the ADC.

He pointed to the recent Supreme Court ruling, which returned the dispute to the Federal High Court, as a source of continued uncertainty.

“It does not look feasible to stay there… the entire caucus voted unanimously that a better platform, not embedded in a leadership tussle, should be used,” he told The Cable.

Mohammed also cited ongoing court cases and approaching deadlines for submission of party membership registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as factors behind the decision.

He warned that remaining in the ADC could jeopardise the movement’s political plans.

According to him, the movement considered both the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the NDC before settling for the latter.

He added that internal disagreements within the ADC, including issues around consensus candidacy, also influenced the move.

The report noted that Obi has not attended ADC meetings since the opposition summit in Ibadan.

He was said to be dissatisfied with the failure to address zoning of the presidential ticket, which he considers key to fairness and unity.

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The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has said Nigeria’s next president, ahead of the 2027 general elections, has already been determined by God.

Adeboye spoke on Saturday during a workers’ meeting at the Redemption City on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The cleric said the outcome of the election was beyond human influence, stressing that the will of God would ultimately prevail.

Adeboye said, “The next president has already been decided by God who owns the universe. It is not something we can determine by human effort alone. The will of God will be done.”

He cautioned Nigerians against anxiety over political developments, saying God remained sovereign over the nation’s future.

“I never said we should not be involved in politics, but we must understand that God has the final say in the affairs of men,” he said.

Adeboye urged citizens to remain prayerful and peaceful as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We should do our part, but we should also keep on praying and trust God. That is what is satisfying to me,” he added.

The cleric also reacted to comments credited to activist Omoyele Sowore, who reportedly described him, Bishop David Oyedepo and Pastor William Kumuyi as “fathers of Christians in Nigeria.”

Adeboye dismissed the description, saying he did not consider himself the father of all Christians in the country.

He said leadership of the Christian community in Nigeria rests with the Christian Association of Nigeria, whose president represents Christians nationally.

Adeboye said, “Sowore said that we are not the fathers of Christians but we are denominational fathers. He is very correct. I don’t want to be father of all Christians in Nigeria. I’m satisfied with being the father of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. That’s enough assignment for me.

“I have never wanted to be the father of all Christians in Nigeria. The CAN President is the father leader of Christians in Nigeria.”

‘RCCG Not APC Extension’

Adeboye also rejected claims on social media that the RCCG is an extension of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

He said the church had consistently spoken on national issues affecting citizens, including economic hardship.

The cleric added that if the leadership of CAN called for a peaceful protest over governance issues, he would participate, stressing that his position was based on principle and not politics.

“I have protested before during the Goodluck Jonathan administration,” he said.

Adeboye noted that politicians were welcome to attend services at the camp but said they would not be allowed to speak or mount the altar for campaign purposes.