As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the polls are no longer just a political contest—they’re now a referendum on the struggles of the average Nigerian.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, the PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, made this bold statement while presenting the Certificate of Return to Chief Ezenwafor Jude, the party’s flagbearer for the Anambra State governorship race.
But Damagum used the event to shift attention to the broader national stage. He said the 2027 elections are less about party loyalty and more about survival.
“This election in 2027 is not about how many governors you have or how many leaders,” Damagum said. “It’s about Tinubu and Nigerians.”
He emphasized that daily life has become increasingly hard for many citizens. He urged voters to take back their power through the ballot.
“The ordinary man is feeling the pain, and the decision is his,” he added. “This is APC versus Nigerians.”
Damagum’s remarks come in the wake of significant defections from the PDP. Notably, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire state executive council recently moved to the ruling APC.
Reacting to the defection, Damagum expressed disappointment. He reminded Nigerians of how much the PDP had supported Delta State.
“It’s very sad and unfortunate,” he said. “Delta State received a lot from this party. We least expected this.”
Despite the setback, Damagum said the PDP remains strong and ready to face the future.
“This is a party that has seen more than that, but it’s still standing,” he concluded.
