Wike-Led PDP Faction Begins Screening of Presidential and Governorship Candidates

The PDP faction backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has begun formal screening of presidential, governorship, and National Assembly aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections. The exercise started Thursday at the party’s Maitama secretariat in Abuja, run by the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led national working committee.

National publicity secretary Jungudo Mohammed said governorship aspirants were screened at noon, with presidential aspirants going in at 2pm. Former Abia State governor Okezie Ikpeazu chairs the presidential screening committee.

Screening committees named

Former Kaduna State governor Ahmed Makarfi chairs the governorship screening committee, with George Ariolu as secretary. Other members include former senators George Sekibo and Zainab Kure.

Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan said she completed screening, arriving “fully prepared with all required credentials and supporting documents.” Muhammed Abdullahi, known as “Elephant,” also confirmed he was screened and cleared for the Kogi East senatorial district primary.

In Cross River State, 45 aspirants for National Assembly and State Assembly seats went through screening ahead of May 21 primaries. A five-man panel led by Fred Osim conducted the exercise. Among those screened was Alex Egbona, a House of Representatives member who recently crossed from the APC.

Parallel PDP faction forms alliance

The rival faction led by Kabiru Turaki has announced an alliance with the Allied Peoples Movement. Ini Ememobong, spokesperson for the Turaki faction, said the alliance grew out of the All Opposition Political Party Leaders summit held in Ibadan in April.

The two competing factions exist because the Supreme Court nullified the PDP’s Ibadan convention, which had elected Seyi Makinde-backed leaders. The Wike-backed faction has pressed ahead with its own electoral timetable regardless.

Sources: The Cable, Daily Post