The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the 2027 general elections as a contest not between political parties, but between President Bola Tinubu and the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday during the presentation of a Certificate of Return to the party’s Anambra State governorship candidate, Chief Jude Ezenwafor, PDP Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, said the election would be a referendum on the quality of life under the current administration.

“This election in 2027 isn’t about how many governors or leaders you have,” Damagum said. “It’s about Tinubu and Nigerians. The ordinary man is in pain, and the decision is his. It’s not APC versus governors or senators—it’s APC versus Nigerians.”

He urged Nigerians to unite and “rescue themselves” from the hardship which he said was “inflicted by design.”

Damagum also addressed the recent defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other senior officials of the state government from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“It’s unfortunate and disappointing,” he said. “If any state should remain loyal to the PDP, it’s Delta. The party has been generous—more than generous. From the emergence of Governor Oborevwori to his predecessor, who served as our vice-presidential candidate, we gave Delta everything.”

He added that the party had not wronged the defectors, noting that even in their departure, they did not accuse the PDP of any misdeed.

“Still, this party has endured worse and survived. We will continue to stand firm,” he concluded.