2027: Makinde-Backed PDP Releases Election Timetable, Fixes Presidential Forms At N100m

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Seyi Makinde has unveiled its official timetable and schedule of activities for the 2026/2027 general elections, including detailed guidelines for candidate nominations.

The announcement was made on Monday via the party’s official X account and signed by Theophilus Dakas, Organising Secretary of the faction’s Interim National Working Committee.

According to the timetable, the cost of nomination forms has been fixed at N100 million for presidential aspirants and N40 million for governorship hopefuls. Senate forms are priced at N10 million, House of Representatives at N7 million, and State Houses of Assembly at N2 million.

In a move aimed at promoting inclusivity, the party disclosed that female aspirants will only be required to purchase expression of interest forms. Additionally, youths and persons living with disabilities will benefit from a 50 percent discount on nomination fees.

The schedule of activities begins on Monday, May 4, 2026, with the issuance of notices of elections to state chapters. The sale of expression of interest and nomination forms will run from May 5 to May 13, 2026, covering all elective positions.

State chapters are expected to submit their party registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on May 7, 2026.

Screening of aspirants will be conducted in phases. State House of Assembly aspirants will be screened on May 15, followed by House of Representatives and Senate aspirants on May 16. Governorship and presidential aspirants are scheduled for screening on May 18, while appeals arising from the process will be heard on May 21.

Ward congresses and party primaries are slated for late May 2026, including special ward congresses dedicated to presidential primaries. A Special National Convention to ratify candidates will take place on May 30, 2026.

Submission of nomination forms to INEC is expected to occur between late June and mid-July 2026 through electronic means.

Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly candidates are scheduled to commence in August 2026, while governorship and state assembly campaigns will begin in September 2026. All campaign activities are expected to conclude in early 2027.

The timetable was released shortly after the faction ratified a 13-member Caretaker Committee led by Tanimu Turaki as chairman. The decision was reached during the Makinde-backed 103rd National Executive Committee meeting held in Abuja.

The motion for the committee’s formation was moved by Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo State PDP, and seconded by Clement Fagboyede, an ex-officio member of the party. Other members of the committee include Taofeek Arapaja (National Secretary), Daniel Ambrose, Hamza Abuya, Ihediwa, Isah Abubakar, Dakashan, Ini Ememobong, Aribisala Adewale Idowu, Baru Shaffi, and Okechukwu Obiechina.

Meanwhile, a rival PDP faction backed by Nyesom Wike and led by Abdulrahman Mohammed had earlier commenced the sale of its nomination forms on April 27, with the process expected to end on May 7.

INEC has fixed the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will be held on February 6, 2027.

The electoral body also stated that party primaries, including dispute resolution, will take place between April 23 and May 30, 2026. Campaigns are expected to officially begin on August 19, 2026, for presidential and National Assembly elections, and on September 9, 2026, for governorship and state assembly contests.