The leadership bloc of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has fixed May 23, 2026, as the date for the party’s presidential primary ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The decision was reached on Wednesday during the 106th meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) held in Abuja.
Party leaders reviewed preparations for the next electoral cycle and discussed key internal arrangements required before the polls.
Details of the meeting were made public through a communiqué presented by the caretaker committee’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed. The document outlined a full timetable for the party’s primaries for various elective offices.
According to the schedule, the party will first submit its membership register to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on April 10, 2026. This will be followed by the primary elections for candidates seeking seats in the State Houses of Assembly on May 2.
The party fixed May 9 for its National Assembly primaries. Governorship aspirants will contest their party tickets on May 16. The process will then culminate in the presidential primary slated for May 23.
Party leaders said the timeline was carefully arranged to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026. The law requires the electoral commission to release notices of election at least 300 days before the scheduled date for national polls.
In the communiqué, NEC stated that it had reviewed the election timetable issued by INEC and aligned the party’s internal processes accordingly.
The statement read, “NEC received and noted the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections as issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission, pursuant to the provision of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires that the notice of election be issued not later than 300 days before the date of election.
“NEC accordingly noted the party’s proposed schedule of activities in compliance with the INEC timetable, including the submission of the party’s register of members to the commission.
“The conduct of party primaries for the various elective offices and timelines for the resolution of disputes arising from such primaries. NEC urged all organs and stakeholders of the party to commence the necessary preparations and ensure strict adherence to the approved timelines and all relevant statutory provisions.
“The approved PDP timetable for primaries: Submission of register April 10, 2026; State Assembly primaries May 2; National Assembly primaries May 9; Gubernatorial primaries May 16; Presidential primaries May 23.”
Beyond the primary election schedule, the NEC also reaffirmed plans for the party’s national convention expected to take place on March 29 and 30. The convention will produce a new National Working Committee in line with the party’s constitution.
During the meeting, party leaders commended the caretaker committee headed by Abdulrahman Mohammed. They praised the panel for managing the affairs of the party during a tense transition period and working to maintain stability within its ranks.
Members also expressed satisfaction with the conduct of ward and local government congresses held across several states. They said early reports indicated that most of the exercises were completed peacefully.
The NEC expressed optimism that the next phase of the congress process would proceed without disruption. State congresses are scheduled to take place over the weekend, while zonal congresses are expected to follow within two weeks.
Party leaders also acknowledged recent rulings delivered by the Court of Appeal, which affirmed the leadership of the caretaker committee. The NEC said the court decisions had helped reinforce the party’s constitutional procedures and restore some stability to its structure.
Despite these developments, the committee urged party leaders and members to pursue reconciliation. It encouraged aggrieved stakeholders to resolve disagreements internally rather than prolonging legal battles, especially efforts to escalate disputes to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The meeting further approved the expansion of the party’s electronic membership registration system. According to party officials, the initiative will help modernise its database and improve transparency in its operations.
NEC also condemned an attack on PDP members during a recent congress in Oyo State. The party described the incident as unacceptable and called on security agencies to investigate the matter and bring those responsible to justice.
Among those present at the meeting were several prominent figures within the party, including former governors Samuel Ortom and Ifeanyi Ikpeazu, caretaker committee chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, party secretary Samuel Anyanwu, and Board of Trustees chairman Mao Ohuabunwa.
The meeting took place amid a prolonged leadership dispute that has unsettled the party since late 2025. Rival factions had emerged after disagreements over the outcome of a national convention held in Ibadan in November of that year.
Recall Politics Nigeria earlier reported that the Court of Appeal recently nullified the Ibadan convention which produced Kabiru Turaki and members of the party’s National Working Committee, ruling that the exercise violated both the Electoral Act and the PDP constitution.
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