2027: PDP Gets First Presidential Aspirant as UK-Based Surveyor Declares Bid

A UK-based quantity surveyor, Victor Ekunyan, has declared his intention to contest Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), presenting a policy programme centred on jobs, security, education and infrastructure.

Ekunyan made the announcement on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, where he also outlined a seven-point agenda he said would guide his administration if elected.

He proposed raising the national minimum wage to ₦150,000 and said his government would target the creation of 30 million jobs as part of efforts to address unemployment and economic pressure.

On social services, he pledged free and compulsory education up to tertiary level, alongside free healthcare delivery nationwide. He argued that better prioritisation of government spending would make the programmes financially feasible.

Security was a central theme in his address. Ekunyan said he would move to “address insecurity within 24 hours” of assuming office, attributing the country’s security challenges to coordination failures and internal compromise within the system. He also claimed that the current number of security personnel is insufficient for Nigeria’s population.

“We have about 500,000 security personnel securing over 200 million people,” he said. “We will recruit three million additional personnel to strengthen the system.”

In agriculture, he proposed the establishment of 20,000 farm hubs across the country, each equipped with storage, processing and packaging facilities aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and improving value chains.

For infrastructure, Ekunyan outlined plans for an interstate rail network, expanded road projects, improved electricity supply through diversified energy sources, and stronger telecommunications coverage.

He also promised reforms in the health sector, including expanded medical facilities, improved welfare for health workers, and increased investment in modern equipment.

Ekunyan, who hails from Ise-Orun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, said his focus would be on sustainable development, institutional reform, and improved governance.

Meanwhile, the PDP South-West Publicity Secretary, Sanya Atofarati, said the party remains stable despite internal disputes, insisting it is not in decline ahead of the next general elections. He expressed confidence that ongoing reconciliation efforts would strengthen the party’s position.

“The PDP remains active and continues to command public trust,” he said, adding that efforts were underway to consolidate leadership and unity within the party.