2027: PDP screens presidential, governorship hopefuls in Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday began the screening of its presidential and governorship aspirants, marking a major step in the party’s early preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Beyond a routine internal exercise, the screening process is widely seen as the first major test of the PDP’s efforts to rebuild cohesion, credibility and competitiveness after its defeat in the 2023 presidential election and the prolonged leadership crisis that followed.

The exercise is being coordinated by the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee (NWC), with separate panels constituted for presidential and governorship aspirants.

According to a statement issued in Abuja by the party’s National Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom, on behalf of the National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, governorship aspirants are scheduled to appear before their screening committee at noon at the PDP National Secretariat Annex, Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja.

The presidential aspirants’ screening is expected to commence later in the day at the same venue.Former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu heads the presidential screening committee, while Hassan Sokodobo will serve as secretary.

Other members include former senator George Sekibo, Senator Zainab Kure, Chinelo Chidebelu and Lindsey Sora.For the governorship panel, former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi was named chairman, with George Ariolu serving as secretary.

Members include Tajudeen Yusuf, Prof. Aisha Madawaki, Babangida Modibbo and Pastor Tony Effiong, among others.The commencement of screening comes amid intensified consultations within the opposition party as it seeks to reposition itself ahead of 2027.

Political observers say the exercise will not only assess the eligibility of aspirants but also signal the direction of the PDP’s internal power dynamics, particularly as influential blocs within the party continue efforts to stabilise its structure after months of factional disputes.

The development also follows the decision of the Tanimu Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee to extend the deadline for the purchase and submission of nomination forms.In a notice signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, and National Organising Secretary, Theophilus Shan, the party said the sale of forms for all elective offices would now close on 15 May, while completed forms are expected to be returned by 18 May.The interim NWC said the extension followed appeals from stakeholders and aspirants across the federation.

Under the revised timetable, governorship and presidential aspirants will continue to be screened in Abuja, while National and State Assembly hopefuls will undergo screening in their respective states.

Although the PDP remains one of Nigeria’s largest opposition parties, analysts believe the credibility of its internal processes and its ability to manage competing interests may shape its chances of mounting a serious challenge in 2027.