Approves primaries schedule, urges compliance with INEC guidelines

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has adopted a timetable for its 2027 general election activities setting the stage for nationwide primaries.

But spokesman to the party, Haruna Mohammed Jungudo, told The Guardian that details of the time table would be made public by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC ) after final administrative processes.

Declaring that the party has emerged from its recent internal crisis at its 108th meeting held on Monday at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, the PDP said the “era of uncertainty is over,” affirming that the PDP remains “a strong, united and formidable political party,” contrary to speculations of internal disarray.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Haruna Mohammed Jungudo, the party expressed confidence in its newly elected National Working Committee (NWC), led by National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed.

Reaffirming its cohesion, the committee stressed the need for reconciliation among aggrieved members and stakeholders, insisting that internal disagreements must be resolved through dialogue and adherence to established party structures and democratic principles.

As part of its preparations for the 2027 general elections, the NEC adopted a comprehensive timetable and schedule of activities for the conduct of party primaries, including the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.

It directed all organs of the party to strictly comply with the approved schedule to ensure a transparent and credible nomination process.

The party also emphasised full compliance with guidelines and timelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), particularly with regard to submission of membership registers, conduct of primaries and resolution of disputes arising therefrom.

NEC further urged leaders and stakeholders across all levels to commence immediate preparations for state primaries, stressing that adherence to statutory provisions and internal regulations would be critical to achieving an inclusive and hitch-free exercise.

On internal reforms, the committee endorsed the ongoing electronic membership registration (e-registration), describing it as a strategic initiative to modernise the party’s database, enhance transparency and boost grassroots participation.

Calling for discipline and loyalty, the NEC charged members to place the collective interest of the party above personal ambitions, warning that unity and commitment remain essential for repositioning the PDP as a viable alternative ahead of the 2027 polls.

In his remarks, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, reaffirmed his loyalty to the party, declaring that he has no intention of leaving the PDP after over two decades of membership.

He commended the NWC for reclaiming the party’s National Secretariat, describing it as a demonstration of legitimacy and leadership, and urged the leadership to intensify reconciliation efforts by reaching out to members who defected during the crisis.

Wike advised the party to adopt transparency and openness in its affairs, noting that such measures would encourage returning members and strengthen internal confidence.

Also speaking, the National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, said the PDP had successfully navigated its leadership challenges and was now firmly focused on electoral preparation and strategic consolidation.