Rallying behind Wike, PDP schedules its presidential nomination contest for May 23

The Peoples Democratic Party's National Executive Committee released its 2027 election timetable on Wednesday, scheduling the presidential primaries for May 23, 2026, as part of an effort to solidify the party's roadmap for the upcoming elections.

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This decision was made during the party's 106th NEC meeting in Abuja, where the leadership aligned with Nyesom Wike reinforced its control over the party's internal structures, particularly within the Federal Capital Territory.

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A communique issued by Jungudo Mohammed, the National Publicity Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, outlined the party's plans leading up to the 2027 general elections, including key milestones and deadlines for various primaries.

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The party's legislative and gubernatorial primaries are slated to take place in early May, following the submission of the party's register to the Independent National Electoral Commission on April 10, marking a significant step in the electoral process.

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The NEC expressed its full support for the Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed-led Caretaker Committee, acknowledging its efforts in stabilizing the party and guiding its affairs during a critical transitional period.

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The committee's authority was further reinforced by recent Court of Appeal judgments, which the NEC formally welcomed as a significant development in the party's internal dynamics.

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The NEC noted the successful conduct of ward and local government congresses across the country, expressing confidence that the upcoming state congresses would be conducted peacefully and in strict compliance with the party's constitution and guidelines.

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In a message directed at the Tanimu Turaki faction, the NEC emphasized the need for reconciliation and urged aggrieved members to abandon further legal challenges, particularly any plans to approach the Supreme Court.

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The leadership stressed that the party's strength lies in its ability to resolve internal disagreements through dialogue and mutual respect, and called on all parties to refrain from pursuing further litigation in the interest of unity and stability.

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To enhance transparency, the NEC approved the expansion of electronic membership registration, aiming to modernize the party's membership database and strengthen grassroots participation in the electoral process.

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This move aligns with the Independent National Electoral Commission's revised 2027 timetable, which requires the notice of election to be issued no later than 300 days before the polls, prompting the party to adjust its internal clock accordingly.

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The approved PDP primary timetable includes key dates such as the submission of the party's register on April 10, 2026, State Assembly Primaries on May 2, 2026, National Assembly Primaries on May 9, 2026, Gubernatorial Primaries on May 16, 2026, and Presidential Primaries on May 23, 2026.

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The NEC also addressed a recent incident of unrest, strongly condemning an attack by hoodlums on party faithful during congresses in Oyo State and calling for a thorough investigation to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

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The party described the incident as unfortunate and unacceptable, emphasizing the need for security agencies to take prompt action in response to such incidents.

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The meeting concluded with a call for all leaders and stakeholders to remain united, disciplined, and focused as the party prepares for its National Convention on March 29 and 30, 2026, where a new National Working Committee is expected to emerge.