Wike-backed PDP faction unveils 2027 election timetable, fixes ₦51m for presidential form

A group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), working under the auspices of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has released its calendar of events leading up to the 2027 general elections, putting its presidential nomination fee at ₦51 million and its governorship nomination fee at ₦21 million.

These details were provided by the faction’s National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, who released a document containing the information to newsmen on Wednesday.

The calendar shows important dates for conducting party primaries and other electioneering processes before the 2027 elections.

According to the schedule, gubernatorial aspirants are required to pay ₦20 million, Senate candidates ₦5 million, House of Representatives aspirants ₦3 million, and State House of Assembly contestants ₦2 million. Presidential aspirants would also pay ₦50 million for their nominations.

The group further disclosed that the selling of forms would commence on April 27, 2026, while it would end on May 4. The submission of completed forms will be on May 9.

State Assembly, National Assembly, and gubernatorial aspirants’ screening are planned for May 11, and presidential screening is fixed for May 12. The presidential primary election is set for May 18, while gubernatorial primaries would take place on May 27. Others will run from May 21 through May 24, and the period for appeals will end on May 30, 2026.

The faction added that women aspirants will only pay the expression of interest fee for their various positions.

This move has been triggered against the backdrop of a major leadership crisis in the PDP, where different factions have emerged. While one faction is headed by Tanimu Turaki (SAN), supported by governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, the other faction is allied to Governor Wike and Abdulrahman Mohammed.

The leadership crisis has led to many legal battles, including an appeal at the apex court, which has just reserved judgment on it.