By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Nyesom Wike- backed People’s Democractic Party, PDP, has fixed it’s Presidential Primaries for May 23,2026.
This formed part of the decisions reached at its 106th National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, Wednesday night.
The meeting of the party leaders focus on reviewing preparations for the upcoming elections and the party’s internal process as well as judgement of the Court of Appeal which affirmed leadership of it PDP Caretaker Committee.
According to the communique issued at the end of the meeting and read by the caretaker committee’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the party also approved a timetable for primaries for other elective positions in accordance with the electoral schedule released by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The timetable indicates that the submission of the party’s membership register to the electoral body will take place on April 10, while primaries for state Houses of Assembly are scheduled for May 2. Primaries for the National Assembly will follow on May 9, while governorship primaries are slated for May 16, before the presidential primaries on May 23.
NEC noted that the schedule was designed to align with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires the electoral commission to issue a notice of election at least 300 days before the date fixed for the polls.
The communiqué 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 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 10th April 2026; State Assembly primaries 2nd May; National Assembly primaries 9th May; Gubernatorial primaries 16th May; Presidential primaries 23rd May.”
The meeting also reaffirmed preparations for the party’s national convention, scheduled to hold on March 29 and 30, where a new National Working Committee will be elected in accordance with the party’s constitution.
Earlier in the meeting, NEC commended the caretaker committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed for its efforts in stabilising the party and steering its affairs during the transition period.
Members expressed satisfaction with the conduct of ward and local government congresses across the country and voiced confidence that the state congresses scheduled for the weekend would be conducted peacefully and in line with the party’s guidelines.
The committee also approved the conduct of zonal congresses within the next two weeks as part of the process leading to the national convention.
NEC further welcomed judgments of the Court of Appeal affirming the leadership of the caretaker committee, noting that the rulings had strengthened the constitutional processes and stability of the party.
While reviewing recent developments within the party, the committee emphasised the need for reconciliation among leaders and stakeholders, urging those involved in disputes to resolve their differences internally and refrain from pursuing further litigation, particularly moves to approach the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The party also approved the commencement and expansion of electronic membership registration, describing the initiative as a step towards modernising its database and improving transparency in party administration.
NEC, however, condemned the attack by hoodlums on party members during recently conducted congresses in Oyo State, describing the incident as unfortunate and contrary to democratic values. The committee called on security agencies to investigate the attack and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
At the close of the meeting, NEC urged party leaders and members across the federation to remain united and disciplined as preparations continue for the remaining congresses, the national convention and the primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.
