As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has boldly declared that the upcoming polls transcend political affiliations and represent a critical referendum on the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the prevailing hardship experienced by Nigerians.
Speaking at a ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, the PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, made the declaration while presenting the Certificate of Return to Chief Ezenwafor Jude, the party’s governorship candidate for the Anambra State election. However, the ceremony quickly evolved into a powerful political commentary on the state of the nation under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government.
“This election in 2027 is not about how many governors you have or how many leaders. It’s about Tinubu and Nigerians,” Damagum said, emphasizing that the real struggle lies between the Nigerian people and the ruling party responsible for their present economic and social hardship.
He described the present administration as one that has overseen unprecedented inflation, rising poverty, and institutional disintegration, urging Nigerians to see the election not as a typical partisan contest but as a fight for survival.
“The ordinary man is feeling the pain, and the decision is his. So I want to use this opportunity to tell Nigerians that it is their election. It is APC versus Nigerians,” he asserted.
Damagum’s statement reflects growing public discontent over soaring food prices, unstable fuel supply, dwindling purchasing power, and widespread insecurity that have persisted under the Tinubu administration.
The PDP’s concerns are also rooted in recent political setbacks, particularly the high-profile defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, former Vice Presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, to the APC. Their exit, along with the entire Delta PDP executive, dealt a significant blow to the party’s influence in the South-South region.
Describing the move as “painful and unexpected,” Damagum said, “It’s very sad and unfortunate because to me, if there’s any state that should think that way, not Delta. The party has been very magnanimous to Delta.”
He noted that despite the defections, PDP remains resilient, having survived greater political storms in the past. “It’s a decision taken by them, but the pains will be in us… not because of anything, but because we have given Delta State all our support.”
He cited the party’s long-standing investment in the state, from backing Oborevwori’s emergence to the nomination of Okowa as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate in 2023, as evidence of PDP’s unwavering commitment.
In his speech, Damagum challenged citizens to set aside partisan loyalty and focus on evaluating their quality of life under the APC regime. He argued that the systemic issues confronting Nigeria—economic hardship, worsening healthcare, insecurity, and corruption—should guide electoral choices.
He also stressed the importance of voter education and awareness, stating that reclaiming Nigeria from bad governance would require collective action and political will from the electorate.
“This hardship is inflicted on us by design, not coincidence. We must close ranks and rescue ourselves,” he said, calling for unity among opposition parties, civic groups, and ordinary Nigerians to deliver what he described as a “people-powered political revolution” in 2027.
Despite recent internal challenges, the PDP leadership says it remains committed to repositioning itself as a viable alternative to the ruling party. According to Damagum, the party will intensify efforts in rebuilding public trust, especially at the grassroots, and ensure that candidates with credibility and capacity emerge in future contests.
As Nigeria braces for what could become one of its most defining elections, the PDP’s latest rhetoric signals a shift from traditional politicking to an all-out appeal to citizen consciousness. Whether this strategy will resonate with voters who have grown increasingly disillusioned with both major parties remains to be seen.
But for now, one message is clear from the PDP camp—2027 will not be a typical election. It will be a judgment day for Tinubu’s presidency.