Governor Makinde's faction of the PDP unveils schedule for 2027 polls, selection of contenders

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party supported by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has unveiled its schedule of activities and timetable for the upcoming 2026/2027 general elections and candidate nomination processes, as announced on the party's official X account on Monday, signed by Theophilus Dakas, the faction's Organising Secretary, Interim National Working Committee.

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The schedule commences on Monday, May 4, 2026, with the issuance of a notice of elections to state chapters, marking the beginning of the electoral process.

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The sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for various positions, including State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, Governorship, and Presidential, will take place from Tuesday, May 5 to Wednesday, May 13, 2026, providing opportunities for candidates to express their interest.

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Mandatory submission of party registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission by state chapters is slated for Thursday, May 7, 2026, ensuring compliance with electoral regulations.

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The screening of aspirants will be conducted in phases, with State House of Assembly aspirants being screened on Friday, May 15, 2026, and those for the House of Representatives and Senate undergoing screening on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

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Governorship and presidential aspirants will undergo screening on Monday, May 18, 2026, while screening appeals are expected to take place on Thursday, May 21, 2026, allowing for any disputes to be addressed.

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Ward congresses and primaries will occur on various dates in late May 2026, including special ward congresses for presidential primaries, marking a crucial step in the nomination process.

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A Special National Convention for the ratification of candidates has been scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2026, formalizing the party's candidates for the elections.

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Submission of nomination forms to INEC will take place from late June to mid-July 2026 through electronic submissions, streamlining the process and reducing paperwork.

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Campaign activities are expected to commence in August 2026 for presidential and National Assembly candidates, and in September 2026 for governorship and state assembly candidates, kicking off the electoral campaigns.

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The last day for campaigns is slated for early 2027, bringing an end to the intense campaign period.

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The elections will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly polls, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2027, marking the culmination of the electoral process.

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The release of the timetable came hours after the faction ratified the appointment of a 13-member Caretaker Committee headed by Tanimu Turaki, SAN, as chairman, during the Makinde-backed 103rd NEC meeting held on Monday in Abuja.

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The decision was taken following a motion moved by the Edo State PDP Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, and seconded by the party's ex-officio member, Clement Fagboyede, demonstrating the party's commitment to its electoral processes.

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Other members of the committee include Taofeek Arapaja, who was appointed National Secretary, as well as Daniel Ambrose, Hamza Abuya, Ihediwa, Isah Abubakar, Dakashan, Ini Ememobong, Aribisala Adewale Idowu, Baru Shaffi, and Okechukwu Obiechina, forming a diverse and experienced team.