I am qualified to takeover as Nigeria’s next President, says Onor, as PDP screens presidential aspirant

I am qualified to takeover as Nigeria’s next President, says Onor, as PDP screens presidential aspirant

Sandy Onor, a professor of history and former senator, has declared that he possesses the credentials and is eminently qualified to serve as Nigeria’s next president in 2027. Onor, who currently stands as the sole contender in his party’s presidential race, vowed to elevate the nation to the heights the populace desires.

Onor began his public career as a two-term local government chairman in Cross River State. He also serves as Deputy National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria. His public service record includes tenures as Chairman of the Cross River State Local Government Service Commission, Commissioner for Agriculture, and Commissioner for Environment.

Onor was elected to the Nigerian Senate in 2019, a role he believes completes a unique professional profile. He noted that he enjoys robust experience across all three tiers of government, a distinction he claims few other candidates share. He further likened his “double-barrelled” experience in both executive and legislative branches to that of the current president.

The aspirant stated that his campaign will focus on the grassroots, asserting that the people of Nigeria yearn for change. He expressed confidence in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as a solid vehicle for his ambitions. Despite recent crises within the party, Onor believes the institution remains iconic and capable of winning under his leadership.

Regarding the incumbent administration, Onor argued that opposition should not mean blanket condemnation. He described such an approach as intellectually and socially incorrect, stressing the importance of telling the truth to maintain public trust. He applauded the president’s courage in removing the fuel subsidy, which he described as a bastion of corruption.

However, Onor critiqued the distribution of funds released by the subsidy removal. He suggested that “downliners” have not done justice to the enormous resources available. He promised to ensure accountability at the grassroots level so that citizens feel the positive impact of these fiscal reforms.

Addressing the party’s internal friction, Onor stated that the Supreme Court has laid the matter to rest. He identified Alhaji Abdulrahman as the leader of the only legitimate PDP. On the national front, he linked insecurity to grassroots poverty and the lack of meaningful engagement for young men.

Onor advocated for the proper funding of local governments as a primary security strategy. While he praised the president for seeking Supreme Court intervention to guarantee local government autonomy, he noted that many state governments continue to ambush these funds.

He promised that, under his presidency, well-funded local institutions and vigilantes would eliminate security threats before they consolidate.