Makinde-backed PDP To Screen 3,181 Aspirants For 2027 Elections

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has disclosed plans to screen a total of 3,181 aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections, as part of ongoing preparations to select candidates for various elective positions.

The party said the figures cover aspirants for all levels of office, including state Houses of Assembly, National Assembly, governorship, and the presidency.

According to the breakdown, 2,122 aspirants are vying for seats in state Houses of Assembly, 748 for the House of Representatives, 198 for the Senate, 112 for governorship positions, and one aspirant for the presidential ticket.

The announcement was contained in a statement posted on the party’s official X account on Sunday, alongside the constitution of screening committees and screening appeal panels for the exercise.

“Following the approved Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections by the National Executive Committee (NEC) at its 104th meeting, the Interim National Working Committee (iNWC) hereby announces the publication of the under-listed members to serve as the Screening Committees and Screening Appeal Panels,” the statement read.

The party said the exercise is in line with its approved guidelines and timetable for the 2027 general elections.

It added that the screening exercise will hold nationwide on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

“Consequently, the total number of aspirants expected to be screened are: 2,122 State House of Assembly, 748 House of Representatives, 198 Senatorial, 112 Gubernatorial, and one Presidential aspirant,” it added.

The PDP remains sharply divided by a leadership crisis between the Makinde-backed faction and another aligned with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The Makinde-led camp, which has constituted a 13-member Interim National Working Committee headed by Tanimu Turaki (SAN), has continued with its own timetable, nomination processes and election preparations.

However, the Wike-aligned faction has dismissed the actions of the rival group as unauthorised.

Governor Makinde has also declared interest in the party’s presidential ticket ahead of 2027.