The Digest:
The Nyesom Wike-backed faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has fixed May 25, 2026, for the election of its presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 polls. The faction also scheduled state assembly primaries for May 2, national assembly primaries for May 9, and governorship primaries for May 16. The dates were approved during a national executive committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja. The group commended the Appeal Court judgment nullifying the November 2025 Ibadan convention that elected a rival faction's leadership. Wike declared his group remains firmly in control and will only negotiate from a position of strength, dismissing claims he is an APC "mole." The faction set April 10 as deadline for party register submission to INEC and approved zonal congresses within two weeks ahead of its March 28-29 national convention. Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro called for party unity, urging leaders to prioritize PDP's survival over personal ambitions.
Key Points
- Wike faction schedules presidential primary for May 25, 2027.
- State, national assembly, and governorship primaries dates set (May 2-16).
- Commends the Appeal Court ruling nullifying the rival Ibadan convention.
- Wike says he will negotiate only from "a position of strength," dismisses APC mole claim.
- April 10 deadline for INEC register submission; March 28-29 convention set.
With primaries scheduled and a court victory in hand, Wike's PDP faction marches toward 2027—daring rivals to reconcile, but only on terms that acknowledge who holds the power.
Sources: NEC Meeting Communiqué
