Wike-backed PDP faction fixes ₦51m presidential form, releases 2027 timetable

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has unveiled its timetable for the 2027 general elections, setting its presidential nomination form at ₦51 million and governorship form at ₦21 million.

The faction’s National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, disclosed the schedule in a document made available to journalists on Wednesday. The timetable outlines key dates for party primaries and other electoral activities ahead of the 2027 polls.

According to the timetable, the expression of interest form for all positions will cost ₦1 million, while nomination fees vary depending on the office being contested.

Under the structure, governorship aspirants are to pay ₦20 million, Senate hopefuls ₦5 million, House of Representatives aspirants ₦3 million, and State House of Assembly contestants ₦2 million. Presidential aspirants will pay ₦50 million for nomination.

The faction also announced that the sale of forms will begin on April 27, 2026, and close on May 4, with submission of completed forms expected by May 9.

Screening for State Assembly, National Assembly, and governorship aspirants is scheduled for May 11, while presidential screening will hold on May 12. The presidential primary is fixed for May 18, followed by governorship primaries on May 27. Other primaries are slated between May 21 and May 24, with appeals to be concluded by May 30, 2026.

The faction also stated that female aspirants will only pay the expression of interest fee for their respective offices.

The development comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP, which has split into rival factions. One is led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN) with support from Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, while the other is aligned with Wike and Abdulrahman Mohammed.

The internal dispute has resulted in multiple court cases, with the matter currently before the Supreme Court, which recently reserved judgment in a related appeal.