The Peoples Democratic Party’s Interim National Working Committee on Wednesday presented Certificates of Return to its governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The certificates were presented during a meeting held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, which brought together members of the Interim National Working Committee, the Board of Trustees, state chairmen, and the party’s governorship candidates.
The meeting was presided over by the National Chairman of the Interim National Working Committee, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as part of preparations for the 2027 elections.
Speaking on behalf of the state chairmen, Dupe Aisida commended the committee for its efforts and commitment to sustaining the party across the states.
Aisida described the INWC as “the oxygen of the party,” saying the committee had continued to provide the support needed to keep the PDP active despite challenges.
He also praised the leadership’s determination and vision, noting that its resilience had enabled the party to achieve significant milestones.
According to him, many had doubted the party’s ability to survive what he described as pressure from the ruling All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government, but the committee successfully navigated the challenges and kept the party united.
The highlight of the event was the formal presentation of Certificates of Return to all governorship candidates, officially ratifying their victories in the party’s recent primary elections.
Responding on behalf of the candidates, Barrister Benedict Etanabene said they were confident in accepting tickets under the Turaki-led PDP.
“We did not take any risk by picking tickets under the Turaki-led PDP because, as a lawyer, I know that this is the authentic and mainstream party,” he said.
Etanabene also commended the party leadership for what he described as exceptional brilliance, adding that Nigerians experienced meaningful leadership during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Also speaking, the party’s governorship candidate for Adamawa State, Dr Caleb Andrew, applauded the leadership for its management of the party.
He expressed confidence that the PDP would record victories not only in governorship elections across the states but also at the national level in 2027.
The governorship candidates pledged their continued support for the party leadership and reaffirmed their commitment to working towards the party’s success in the forthcoming general elections.