Wike's PDP Faction Announces 2027 Nomination Form Costs Amid Party Crisis
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has officially disclosed the pricing for nomination forms ahead of the 2027 election primaries. According to the announcement, presidential aspirants will be required to pay a hefty sum of ₦50 million, while those vying for governorship positions must pay ₦20 million to secure their nomination forms.
Detailed Fee Structure and Election Timetable
The election timetable, released by the faction's National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, outlines a comprehensive fee schedule for various elective positions. In addition to the nomination fees, the faction has set an expression of interest form at ₦1 million for all aspirants across categories. For other positions, nomination fees are as follows: ₦2 million for State House of Assembly seats, ₦3 million for House of Representatives aspirants, and ₦5 million for Senate contenders. Notably, female aspirants will only be required to pay the expression of interest fee, offering a financial concession to encourage women's participation in politics.
Key Dates for Primaries and Screening
The sales of nomination forms are scheduled to commence on April 27, 2026, and will conclude on May 4, 2026. Completed submissions must be returned by May 9, 2026. Screening exercises are set to take place on May 11, 2026, for governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly aspirants, with the presidential screening fixed for May 12, 2026. The primaries will follow shortly after, with the presidential primary slated for May 18, House of Representatives on May 21, Senate on May 23, and governorship on May 27. State Assembly primaries will run between May 21 and May 24, while appeals are expected to conclude by May 30, 2026.
Deepening Factional Crisis Within the PDP
This development occurs against the backdrop of a deepening factional crisis within the PDP, which currently operates under two rival blocs. One faction is led by Kabiru Turaki and backed by Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, while the opposing bloc is led by Abdulrahman Mohammed and supported by Nyesom Wike. The party is also entangled in multiple legal disputes over its internal leadership crisis, with expectations that the Supreme Court will soon announce a date for judgment to resolve these conflicts.
The announcement of nomination fees highlights the ongoing strategic maneuvers within the PDP as it prepares for the 2027 elections, amidst significant internal divisions and legal challenges that could impact its cohesion and electoral prospects.
