Wike’s PDP Fixes Date For 2027 Presidential, Governorship Primaries

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has fixed May 23, 2026, for its presidential primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The decision was reached during the party’s 106th National Executive Committee meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and read by the caretaker committee’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the party also approved a comprehensive timetable for primaries for other elective positions.

The schedule aligns with the election timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The approved timeline includes:

Submission of membership register to INEC – April 10, 2026

State House of Assembly primaries – May 2, 2026

National Assembly primaries – May 9, 2026

Governorship primaries – May 16, 2026

Presidential primaries – May 23, 2026

NEC noted that the schedule was designed to comply with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires the electoral commission to issue a notice of election at least 300 days before the polls.

The communiqué stated: “NEC received and noted the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections as issued by INEC pursuant to the provision of the Electoral Act 2026.”

The party urged its organs and stakeholders nationwide to begin preparations and adhere strictly to the approved timelines.

The committee also reaffirmed plans for the party’s national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30, during which a new National Working Committee (NWC) will be elected in line with the party’s constitution.

Members commended the caretaker committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed for stabilising the party during the transition period.

NEC also expressed satisfaction with the conduct of ward and local government congresses, noting that state congresses scheduled for the weekend would follow the party’s guidelines.

The committee welcomed recent judgments of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, which affirmed the leadership of the caretaker committee.

According to NEC, the ruling has strengthened the constitutional processes and stability of the party.

The committee also urged party leaders involved in disputes to pursue reconciliation and avoid further litigation, particularly appeals to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the party condemned attacks by hoodlums on members during recent congresses in Oyo State.

NEC described the incident as unfortunate and called on security agencies to investigate and bring those responsible to justice.

The meeting was attended by several prominent party leaders, including Nyesom Wike, former governors Samuel Ortom and Ifeanyi Ikpeazu, as well as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mao Ohuabunwa.