PDP crisis deepens as Wike faction pegs presidential form at ₦50m

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has announced the cost of its nomination forms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the group, presidential aspirants will pay ₦50 million for nomination, while governorship candidates will pay ₦20 million.

The announcement was made in an election timetable released by the faction’s National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature.

In addition, the expression of interest form for all positions will cost ₦1 million. Other nomination fees include ₦2 million for State House of Assembly, ₦3 million for House of Representatives, and ₦5 million for Senate.

Sales of forms will begin on April 27, 2026, and end on May 4, 2026. Completed forms must be submitted by May 9, 2026.

Screening for governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly candidates will hold on May 11, while presidential screening will take place on May 12.

Primaries are scheduled as follows: presidential primary on May 18, House of Representatives on May 21, Senate on May 23, and governorship on May 27. State Assembly primaries will run from May 21 to May 24.

All appeals will end by May 30, 2026.

Bature also said female aspirants will only pay the expression of interest fee.

The PDP is currently divided into two factions. One is led by Kabiru Turaki and supported by Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed. The other is led by Abdulrahman Mohammed and backed by Nyesom Wike.

The party is facing several court cases over the crisis, and the Supreme Court is expected to announce its judgment date soon.