The National Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party led by Nyesom Wike on Wednesday fixed May 23, 2026, for the party’s presidential primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The decision was part of resolutions reached at the 106th NEC meeting of the party held in Abuja, where leaders reviewed preparations for the upcoming elections and the party’s internal processes.
According to a communiqué 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 line 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 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.”
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 toward modernising its database and improving transparency in party administration.
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.
The meeting was attended by several prominent PDP figures, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; former governors Samuel Ortom and Ifeanyi Ikpeazu; caretaker committee chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed; party secretary Sam Anyanwu; and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mao Ohuabunwa, among others.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of a protracted leadership crisis that has plagued the party since November 2025. Governors of the PDP had earlier backed the Ibadan convention held on November 15, which produced Kabiru Turaki and other members of the National Working Committee for a four-year tenure.
Leadership was handed over from former Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki before Damagum’s tenure ended on December 9.
However, a faction loyal to Wike later formed a 13-member caretaker committee, naming Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Secretary, among others, with a 60-day mandate. Attempts by both factions to hold meetings at the PDP National Secretariat on November 18 descended into chaos, prompting the Nigeria Police Force to seal the secretariat.
Legal battles followed, culminating in a February 12 hearing at the Court of Appeal. On March 9, the court ruled that the Ibadan convention violated the Electoral Act, the Constitution and the party’s constitution, nullifying the convention that produced Turaki and his committee.
Punch