PDP Begins 2027 Presidential, Governorship Aspirant Screening in Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party has officially kicked off the screening of its presidential and governorship aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections, signaling an early push to reposition the party for the next political battle.

The screening exercise is taking place at the party’s National Secretariat Annex, Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja, under the supervision of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee.

In a statement released by the party’s National Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom, the PDP confirmed that governorship aspirants would be screened from 12 noon on Thursday, while presidential hopefuls are scheduled to appear before the panel by 2 p.m.

The presidential screening committee is chaired by former Okezie Ikpeazu, with Hassan Sokodobo serving as secretary. The committee also includes several senior party figures tasked with assessing the credentials and eligibility of aspirants seeking the PDP’s presidential ticket.

Other members of the panel are Alhaji Abba Isawa, George Sekibo, Sodipo Semiu, Mrs Chinelo Chidebelu, Nasiru Mohammed, Zainab Kure, and Lindsey Sora.

For the governorship screening process, the party appointed former Ahmed Makarfi as chairman of the committee, while George Ariolu will serve as secretary.

Other members of the governorship screening panel include Dr Ibrahim Umar, Prof. Aisha Madawaki, Tajudeen Yusuf, Dr Abdulganiyu Oloyin, Babangida Modibbo, Alhaji Buba Biri, Olaniyi Ogungbuji, Mike Ahumibe, Gabriel Igboko, Pastor Tony Effiong, and Mrs Precious Ojelabi.

The development comes as political parties across Nigeria intensify internal preparations ahead of the 2027 elections, with major opposition figures already making strategic moves, alliances, and defections expected to shape the coming months.

Political observers believe the early commencement of the screening process reflects the PDP’s attempt to avoid the internal crises and prolonged disputes that weakened the party in previous election cycles.