Wike’s PDP Faction Fixes Presidential Primaries For May 23

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday released its timetable for the 2027 elections, fixing the party’s presidential primaries for May 23, 2026.

The decision was taken during the party’s 106th NEC meeting held in Abuja, where the leadership aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, reinforced its control of the party’s internal structure.

In a communiqué signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, Jungudo Mohammed, the NEC outlined an ambitious roadmap leading to the 2027 general election.

According to the timetable, the party’s legislative and gubernatorial primaries will take place early May, following the submission of the party’s membership register to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on April 10, 2026.

The NEC expressed full support for the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led Caretaker Committee, commending its efforts in “stabilizing the party and guiding its affairs during this transitional period.”

The committee also welcomed recent judgments of the Court of Appeal which affirmed the authority of the caretaker leadership.

“NEC noted with satisfaction the successful conduct of the ward and local government congresses across the country and expressed confidence that the state congresses scheduled to hold this weekend would be conducted peacefully, transparently and in strict compliance with the constitution and guidelines of the party,” the communiqué stated.

In a direct message to the faction loyal to Tanimu Turaki, the NEC emphasized the urgent need for reconciliation, while urging aggrieved members to halt further legal battles, particularly any move to approach the Supreme Court.

The leadership stressed that “the strength of the PDP lies in its ability to resolve internal disagreements through dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to party structures,”

The communique urged all parties to “refrain from pushing further litigation in the interest of unity, stability, and the future of the party.”

To enhance transparency, the NEC approved the expansion of electronic membership registration to modernize the party’s database and strengthen grassroots participation.

The move comes as the party aligns its internal schedule with INEC’s revised 2027 timetable, which requires the notice of election to be issued no later than 300 days before the polls.

According to the approved timetable, the PDP primaries will be conducted as follows:
Submission of Register- April 10, 2026,
State Assembly Primaries- May 2, 2026
National Assembly Primaries- May 9, 2026 , Gubernatorial Primaries – May 16, 2026, while the Presidential Primaries is May 23, 2026.

The NEC also addressed recent unrest, strongly condemning an attack by hoodlums on party members during congresses in Oyo State.
Describing the incident as “unfortunate and unacceptable,”

The party called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate the attack and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

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

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji