A Presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Sandy Onor, has expressed confidence in his ability to lead Nigeria, citing his extensive experience across the three tiers of government.
Speaking after his screening for the office of President, Onor described himself as uniquely qualified for the position, having served in both executive and legislative capacities.
“I am a professor of history and a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I believe I am perhaps the only aspirant in this race with such robust engagement across the political spectrum,” he said.
The former lawmaker recounted his political journey, which began as a local government chairman in Cross River State, where he also served as Chairman and Deputy National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
According to him, he later became Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission in his state, Commissioner for Agriculture, Commissioner for Environment, and eventually Senator of the Federal Republic in 2019.
Onor said his experience in both executive and legislative governance gives him a holistic understanding of how government works.
“I understand the limitations of government, and I am ready to make the necessary corrections that will take Nigeria to greater heights,” he stated.
Addressing concerns over the PDP’s lack of serving governors, the aspirant insisted that the party remains strong and deeply connected to the grassroots.
“I am not bothered about whether PDP has governors or not. Some of those governors were even part of our problems. Our campaign will be grassroots-driven because Nigerians are yearning for change,” he stated.
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Speaking on his chances against the ruling administration, Onor maintained that the PDP remains a formidable political institution capable of reclaiming power.
“This is an iconic party, a legacy institution. We have gone through challenges, but we have overcome them. Under my leadership, we will quickly mobilise and position ourselves for victory,” he added.
Government Policies
On his assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Onor said opposition politics should not be about condemning every government policy.
“There are things the President has done that deserve commendation, and I will applaud those achievements. Where the administration is not doing well, I will say so and offer better alternatives,” he noted.
He specifically commended the removal of the fuel subsidy, describing it as a courageous decision that freed up resources for development. However, he argued that the impact of the policy has not sufficiently reached ordinary Nigerians due to poor accountability.
“I believe subsidy removal released enormous funds for development, but those managing the funds have not done justice to them. I will ensure accountability down to the grassroots so Nigerians can truly feel the benefits,” he said.
On internal party issues, the presidential aspirant dismissed claims of lingering crises within the PDP, insisting that the party has moved beyond its disputes.
“The narrative that PDP still has issues is largely being fertilised by the media. The Supreme Court has settled the matter. There is only one PDP led by Alhaji Abdurlahman,” he stated.
Addressing insecurity, Onor identified poverty and unemployment as major drivers of violence and unrest across the country.
He advocated for full financial autonomy for local governments, arguing that properly funded councils would strengthen grassroots security structures.
Onor pledged to prioritise local government autonomy and youth empowerment if elected president, stressing that meaningful employment opportunities for young Nigerians would help curb insecurity nationwide.
