Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has formally unveiled its timetable for the 2027 general elections, setting the cost of its presidential nomination and expression of interest forms at a combined N51 million. The announcement, made by the faction’s National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, in Abuja on Wednesday, underscores the high financial stakes of the upcoming political contest and comes amid a protracted leadership crisis that has split the main opposition party into two warring camps. The move is seen as a decisive step by the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee (NWC) to assert control over party machinery and prepare for the primaries, even as the rival faction led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Senator Tanimu Turaki (SAN), and backed by several PDP governors continues to challenge its legitimacy in court.
According to the detailed schedule, the sale of all nomination forms will commence on April 27, 2026, and conclude on May 4, with the final deadline for the submission of completed applications set for May 9. Under the approved fee structure, all aspirants are required to pay a flat N1 million for expression of interest forms. The nomination fees then escalate steeply based on the office being sought, with State House of Assembly aspirants paying N2 million, House of Representatives hopefuls N3 million, Senate aspirants N5 million, and governorship candidates N20 million. The highest fee, reserved for presidential aspirants, is N50 million, bringing the total cost for a presidential ticket to N51 million. The faction also introduced a concessionary measure for female aspirants, who will only be required to pay the expression of interest fee of N1 million for their respective positions, a policy aimed at encouraging greater female participation.
The timetable also provides a tight schedule for screening and primary elections. Aspirants for State Assembly, National Assembly, and governorship positions will undergo screening on May 11, while presidential aspirants will be screened on May 12. The presidential primary is scheduled for May 18, followed by House of Representatives primaries on May 21, Senate primaries on May 23, and State Houses of Assembly primaries to be held between May 21 and May 24. Governorship primaries have been fixed for May 27, with all appeals arising from the primary process expected to be concluded by May 30. Umar Bature, while announcing the timetable, emphasised that the schedule was released in strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2026, adding that it also aligns with the revised guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The release of the timetable comes just days after the faction’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Monday, where the leadership declared that the party had emerged from its recent internal crisis. In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the NEC expressed confidence in the newly elected NWC led by National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed and dismissed speculations of internal disarray, insisting that the “era of uncertainty is over.” However, the PDP remains deeply fractured. The faction led by Senator Tanimu Turaki, which has the backing of governors including Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, continues to reject the legitimacy of the Wike-backed NWC. Several cases arising from the leadership dispute are still pending before the courts, with the Supreme Court on Wednesday indicating that a date for judgment would be communicated to the parties. This legal uncertainty casts a shadow over the faction’s primary process, as any eventual ruling by the apex court could potentially invalidate the outcomes of these primaries if it rules in favour of the rival faction.
Nyesom Wike, who has been a polarising figure within the PDP, used the NEC meeting to reaffirm his loyalty to the party and to preach reconciliation. He tasked the party leadership with reaching out to members who defected to other parties or aligned with the rival faction, arguing that many left due to uncertainty over who held the legitimate authority to sign party documents. “If like, I want to run an election, and I’m not sure who will sign my documents to be presented to INEC. So most people will definitely find where they can get succour. But now, if you go and talk to them, I believe they will have a rethink and continue to support this party,” Wike was quoted as saying. He also assured the party of his continued loyalty, stating that he has been a member of the PDP since 1998 and has no intention of leaving.
The faction’s announcement has drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups, who have decried the high cost of nomination forms as a form of institutionalised corruption that excludes the vast majority of qualified Nigerians from political participation. The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) described the fees as “exorbitant and insensitive,” warning that such barriers entrench a culture of money politics and discourage competent but less wealthy aspirants. Conversely, supporters of the Wike-led faction argue that the high fees are necessary to fund party activities and ensure that candidates are serious about their ambitions. As the legal battle over the soul of the PDP continues, the Wike-backed faction is pressing ahead with its primary schedule, hoping that its control of the party’s secretariat and its alignment with INEC guidelines will give it an edge. With the clock ticking toward the 2027 elections, the faction is determined to ensure it remains a viable electoral vehicle, even as the opposition grapples with its deepest crisis in years.
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