PDP fixes Presidential Primary for May 23, 2026 as NEC unveils timetable for 2027 elections

By Benedicta Aboh

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has scheduled its presidential primary for May 23, 2026, as part of a timetable approved by its National Executive Committee (NEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the paety on Wednesday released the party’s timetable for the 2027 general elections, fixing May 23, 2026 for its presidential primary.

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

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, Jungudo Mohammed, the NEC outlined a comprehensive roadmap for the party’s preparations ahead of the 2027 polls.

According to the timetable, the PDP will submit its membership register to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on April 10, 2026. This will be followed by a series of primaries beginning in early May.

The party scheduled its State House of Assembly primaries for May 2, 2026, while the National Assembly primaries will hold on May 9, 2026. Governorship primaries are slated for May 16, 2026, before the presidential primary on May 23, 2026.

NEC also expressed strong support for the caretaker leadership of the party headed by Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, commending the committee for stabilising the PDP during what it described as a transitional period.

The committee further welcomed recent Court of Appeal judgments that 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.

Addressing internal disputes within the party, the NEC emphasised the need for reconciliation among members, particularly those aligned with the faction led by former Minister Tanimu Turaki.

The committee urged aggrieved members to discontinue further legal battles, especially any move to approach the Supreme Court over party leadership issues.

It noted that the PDP’s strength lies in its capacity to resolve internal disagreements through dialogue and adherence to party structures.

“The strength of the PDP lies in its ability to resolve internal disagreements through dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to party structures,” the statement said, urging members to refrain from further litigation in the interest of unity, stability and the party’s future.

As part of efforts to improve transparency and participation, NEC approved the expansion of electronic membership registration across the country.

The initiative, according to the party, is aimed at modernising its membership database and strengthening grassroots participation.

The move is also in line with the revised timetable for the 2027 elections announced by INEC, which requires that notices of election be issued at least 300 days before the polls.

Meanwhile, the NEC condemned an attack by suspected hoodlums on PDP members during the party’s congress in Oyo State.

Describing the incident as unfortunate and unacceptable, the party called on security agencies to investigate the attack and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

The meeting ended with a call on party leaders and stakeholders nationwide to remain united, disciplined and focused as preparations intensify for the party’s National Convention scheduled for March 29 and 30, 2026.

The convention is expected to produce a new National Working Committee (NWC) that will steer the affairs of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.