By Joyce Remi Babayeju
The Pro-Wike faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has fixed May 23, 2026 for the conduct of its presidential primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The date was announced on Wednesday at the party’s 106th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, in what party insiders describe as further consolidation of the influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, within the party’s internal structure.
The decision was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, Jungudo Mohammed.
According to the communiqué, the NEC approved a detailed timetable leading to the 2027 general elections, with legislative and governorship primaries scheduled to precede the presidential contest.
It stated that the party would submit its membership register to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on April 10, 2026, after which the various primaries would commence.
The committee also reaffirmed its full support for the Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed-led Caretaker Committee, commending its efforts at stabilising the party and guiding its affairs during the transition period.
Members of the NEC further praised 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 for this weekend would be conducted peacefully, transparently and in strict compliance with the constitution and guidelines of the party,” the communiqué stated.
Addressing the faction led by Tanimu Turaki, the NEC stressed the urgent need for reconciliation and urged aggrieved members to shelve further legal actions, including any move to approach the Supreme Court.
It emphasised that the strength of the party lies in its ability to resolve internal disagreements through dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to party structures, urging members to refrain from actions capable of deepening divisions.
The NEC also approved the expansion of electronic membership registration as part of efforts to modernise the party’s database, enhance transparency and strengthen grassroots participation.
The initiative, the committee said, would align the party’s internal processes with INEC’s revised timetable for the 2027 elections.
According to the approved schedule, submission of the party register will hold on April 10, 2026; State Assembly primaries on May 2; National Assembly primaries on May 9; Governorship primaries on May 16; while the Presidential Primary Election is slated for May 23, 2026.
The meeting also condemned the recent attack by suspected hoodlums on party members during congresses in Oyo State, describing the incident as unfortunate and unacceptable.
The NEC called on security agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The meeting ended with a call on party leaders and stakeholders to remain united, disciplined and focused as preparations continue for the party’s National Convention scheduled for March 29 and 30, 2026, where a new National Working Committee (NWC) is expected to emerge.
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