The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State for the 2027 general election, Dr. Anthony Iheanyichukwu Ibeabuchi, has received his Certificate of Return alongside other party candidates during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Chairman of the Abia PDP Caretaker Committee, Hon. Ikpegbu Emeka-Yellow, who said the presentation took place on Wednesday at a high-level stakeholders’ engagement aimed at strengthening the party’s structures and intensifying preparations for the 2027 general elections.
According to the statement, Dr. Ibeabuchi, a 57-year-old banker and investment analyst, received his Certificate of Return alongside other PDP governorship candidates from across the country as party leaders reaffirmed their commitment to rebuilding the PDP and positioning it for electoral success.
The meeting, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, was presided over by the National Chairman of the Interim National Working Committee, Barrister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN).
The statement further revealed that stakeholders at the meeting ratified former President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s presidential flag bearer for the 2027 election.
Among the Abia PDP candidates presented with Certificates of Return were Sunday Nmaju (Abia North Senatorial District); Chijioke Solomon (Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency); Emmanuel Agwu Ukpong (Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency); Innocent Chibundu (Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency); Ndubuisi Ukagha (Bende Federal Constituency); Emeka Ado (Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency); and Roland Ihediuwa (Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency).
Additionally, 21 PDP candidates for seats in the Abia State House of Assembly also received their Certificates of Return.
Describing Dr. Ibeabuchi as an indigene of Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, Emeka-Yellow said the governorship candidate brings over 23 years of experience in the banking sector, particularly in microfinance and retail banking.
He noted that the issuance of the Certificates of Return marks another significant milestone in the PDP’s preparations for the 2027 elections, stressing that the party is fully mobilised and determined to reclaim power in Abia State and at the national level.
“Our candidates represent competence, credibility and the aspirations of the people. The PDP is not only ready to participate in the 2027 elections but is resolute in its mission to return to government. We are confident that Abians and Nigerians will once again entrust the PDP with leadership,” the statement quoted Emeka-Yellow as saying.
The party maintained that with renewed unity, strengthened structures and a people-oriented agenda, it is well-positioned to stage a strong comeback and record significant electoral gains in 2027.
The statement also quoted the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, as congratulating the candidates on their emergence while urging party members to remain united and steadfast behind the leadership of the party.
Wabara cautioned members against what he described as attempts by “political undertakers” working with external forces to weaken the PDP, insisting that the party has overcome its internal challenges and emerged stronger.
According to the former Senate President, the PDP has fully recovered from its internal crisis and is now strategically positioned to reclaim its place as a dominant political force in Nigeria.
He also commended the Hon. Emeka-Yellow-led Abia PDP Caretaker Committee for what he described as its outstanding efforts in rebuilding and repositioning the party, noting that its leadership and grassroots mobilisation had restored confidence among party faithful.
“The signs of revival are evident. The party is united, focused and ready for the task ahead. With the quality of leadership currently in place and the calibre of candidates presented, the PDP is on course for a remarkable comeback,” Wabara stated.
