Wike-backed PDP faction fixes May 25 for 2027 presidential primary

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has announced May 25 as the date for the election of its presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 Nigerian general elections.

The group also released a timetable for other key party primaries, signalling early preparations by the bloc as political alignments gradually begin to take shape ahead of the next electoral cycle.

According to the schedule announced by the faction, primaries for candidates seeking seats in state houses of assembly will be conducted on May 2. This will be followed by primaries for National Assembly positions on May 9.

Governorship aspirants within the faction are expected to contest their primaries on May 16, while the presidential primary — considered the most crucial in the sequence — has been slated for May 25.

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The development suggests that the Wike-backed bloc within the PDP is moving to consolidate its structure and prepare its candidates early as internal party dynamics continue to evolve.

Political observers say the early release of the timetable reflects the growing momentum of political activities within major parties as stakeholders begin to position themselves strategically ahead of the 2027 elections.

The PDP has in recent years been grappling with internal divisions, with different power blocs within the party pursuing varying political strategies. The latest announcement by the Wike-aligned faction highlights ongoing efforts by influential figures within the opposition party to shape its direction in the lead-up to the next national polls.

Analysts note that the emergence of parallel political structures or factions within the party could significantly influence candidate selection and coalition-building as the race toward the 2027 general elections gathers pace.