The main opposition party in Nigeria, the Peoples Democratic Party has vowed to regain power as the national ruling party in 2027.
Key figures including PDP governors, former Senate President and the party’s Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and other stakeholders made this declaration. This statement was made during a grand civic reception in Umuahia, Abia State, celebrating Senator Wabara’s 76th birthday.
The PDP, which held power at the federal level from Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999 until it was ousted by the All Progressives Congress in 2015, is determined to stage a comeback. Speaking at the event, the chairman of the occasion and Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, expressed optimism about the PDP’s chances in 2027. Makinde praised Senator Wabara as a dedicated democrat and an asset to both Nigeria and the PDP, highlighting his contributions to the party’s rejuvenation.
Acting National Chairman Ambassador Damagum described Wabara as a stabilizing force within the PDP, bringing valuable experience to the party’s leadership. He emphasized that the South East, historically a stronghold for the PDP, would see a resurgence in support. “All those temporarily migrating from the PDP will come back before 2027. PDP will take over what belongs to them. The PDP will come back sound, healthy, and victorious,” Damagum declared, urging resilience among PDP members in the region.
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, the only PDP governor from the South East, also lauded Senator Wabara, recalling his influential tenure as Senate President during the PDP’s prime years. Mbah expressed confidence in Wabara’s ability to guide the party back to prominence.
A notable attendee was Governor Alex Otti of the ruling Labour Party in Abia, who attended out of respect for Wabara. Otti emphasized that governance should transcend party affiliations and commended Wabara for his non-partisan approach. “Our government is a government without discrimination. After election, governance starts. I’m the governor of all Abians,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to inclusive governance.
During his speech, Senator Wabara expressed heartfelt gratitude for the honor and support shown to him. “I didn’t believe I will be alive to see this day,” he said emotionally. He pledged to uphold the values of the PDP and work towards addressing the challenges facing the Southeast region, advocating for unity within the party. “We must strive for reconciliation and unity among all warring parties at every level of the party. Division only weakens us, but unity empowers us to achieve our common goals and aspirations.”
Wabara criticized the APC for causing widespread hardship and positioned the PDP as the solution to Nigeria’s current woes. “At this period where the APC government has caused untold hardship to the citizenry, our party remains the only institution with the structure, resources, and capacity to return this country to its glory days, ensuring the masses have a hopeful future for generations unborn,” he asserted.
Wabara concluded by committing to revitalizing the PDP and seeking the support of all stakeholders in this mission. “Together, let us write a new chapter in the history of the PDP. Let us strive for excellence, integrity, and inclusivity in all that we do. And let us never lose sight of the ultimate goal: to build a better, brighter future for Nigeria.”
The event saw a gathering of prominent PDP figures, including Governors Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, and Godwin Obaseki of Edo State. Other notable attendees included former Enugu State Governor Okwesirieze Nwodo, BoT Secretary and former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi, PDP National Secretary Senator Sam Anyanwu, and former Abia State Deputy Governor Sir Ude Oko Chukwu. The event underscored the PDP’s commitment to regaining its footing and mounting a significant challenge in the 2027 elections.
