Amid reconciliation moves by Makinde-backed PDP, Wike’s faction fixes May 23 for presidential primaries | Southwest First Alert Magazine
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party backed by the Minister of Power, Nyesom Wike, has fixed May 23, 2026, for the party’s presidential primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This was regardless of the reconciliation efforts within the opposition party following months of leadership disputes.
The decision was part of resolutions reached at the party’s 106th factional NEC meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday, where leaders reviewed preparations for the 2027 polls and deliberated on internal party processes.
According to a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and read by its caretaker committee’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, NEC also approved a timetable for primaries for other elective positions in line with the electoral schedule released by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The timetable indicates that the submission of the party’s membership register to INEC will take place on April 10, 2026. Primaries for state Houses of Assembly are scheduled for May 2, while those for the National Assembly will hold on May 9.
Governorship primaries are slated for May 16, ahead of the presidential primaries scheduled for May 23.
NEC noted that the schedule was designed to align with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires the electoral commission to issue a notice of election at least 300 days before the date fixed for the polls.
The communiqué read in part: “NEC received and noted the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections as issued by INEC, pursuant to the provision of the Electoral Act 2026 which requires that the notice of election be issued not later than 300 days before the date of election.
“NEC accordingly noted the party’s proposed schedule of activities in compliance with the INEC timetable, including the submission of the party’s register of members to the commission, the conduct of party primaries for the various elective offices and timelines for the resolution of disputes arising from such primaries.”
The committee urged all organs and stakeholders of the party to commence necessary preparations and ensure strict adherence to the approved timelines and statutory provisions guiding the electoral process.
NEC also reaffirmed preparations for the party’s national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30, where a new National Working Committee (NWC) is expected to be elected in accordance with the party’s constitution.
Earlier in the meeting, NEC commended the caretaker committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed for its efforts in stabilising the party during the transition period.
Members expressed satisfaction with the conduct of ward and local government congresses across the country and voiced confidence that the state congresses scheduled for the weekend would be conducted peacefully and in line with party guidelines.
The committee also approved the conduct of zonal congresses within the next two weeks as part of the processes leading to the national convention.
NEC further welcomed recent judgments of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria affirming the leadership of the caretaker committee, noting that the rulings had strengthened constitutional processes and stability within the party.
While reviewing developments within the party, NEC emphasised the need for reconciliation among leaders and stakeholders, urging those involved in disputes to resolve their differences internally and avoid further litigation, particularly attempts to approach the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The party also approved the commencement and expansion of electronic membership registration, describing the initiative as part of efforts to modernise its database and improve transparency in party administration.
However, NEC condemned attacks by hoodlums on party members during recently conducted congresses in Oyo State, describing the incident as unfortunate and contrary to democratic values. It called on security agencies to investigate the attack and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Among prominent PDP figures who attended the meeting were the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; former governors Samuel Ortom and Ifeanyi Ikpeazu; the party’s acting national secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; and the chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Mao Ohuabunwa.
Reconciliation efforts gather momentum
The latest development comes amid fresh reconciliation moves within the party after the Court of Appeal advised parties involved in the leadership dispute to explore an out-of-court settlement.
The three-member appellate panel led by Biobele Georgewill sitting in Ibadan granted all parties leave to pursue reconciliation and adjourned proceedings indefinitely to allow settlement talks.
Justice Georgewill urged the litigants to consider the broader political implications of the dispute, particularly the timetable already released by INEC for the 2027 general elections.
Counsel to the parties welcomed the court’s position, with Senior Advocate of Nigeria Sunday Ibrahim stating that the litigants had expressed willingness to settle the matter.
“The parties have shown readiness to settle and the court has adjourned the matter sine die to allow them attempt settlement and report back to the court,” he said.
BoT backs reconciliation
Meanwhile, the party’s Board of Trustees, chaired by Adolphus Wabara, has declared its readiness to pursue reconciliation among aggrieved stakeholders.
In a communiqué issued after an expanded emergency meeting, the BoT said it would immediately initiate efforts to resolve the leadership dispute and restore unity within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
The trustees also commended the efforts of Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed for their commitment to the unity and stability of the party.
Background to the crisis
The dispute within the PDP dates back to November 2025 following disagreements over the party’s national convention held in Ibadan which produced a National Working Committee led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.
A faction of the party had backed the convention, with leadership earlier handed over from former acting national chairman Umar Damagum before the end of his tenure.
However, another faction loyal to Wike later constituted a 13-member caretaker committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed with a 60-day mandate to oversee party affairs.
The dispute escalated into legal battles, culminating in a ruling on March 9 by the Court of Appeal which nullified the Ibadan convention for violating the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.
Despite reservations about the judgment, the PDP Board of Trustees said it would seek legal advice while simultaneously pursuing reconciliation to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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