A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has unveiled its timetable and schedule of activities ahead of the 2026/2027 general elections, setting out nomination fees, screening dates, primaries, and campaign timelines for aspirants seeking elective offices.
The announcement was made on Monday through the faction’s official X account and was signed by Theophilus Dakas, Organising Secretary of the Interim National Working Committee.
The released calendar provides a structured roadmap for the party’s internal electoral process as preparations gradually intensify ahead of the next national election cycle.
Presidential Nomination Form Fixed at N100 Million
Under the newly released guidelines, the cost of the presidential nomination form has been fixed at N100 million.
For governorship aspirants, the nomination form will cost N40 million.
The party also announced that aspirants seeking seats in the Senate will pay N10 million, while those contesting for the House of Representatives will purchase forms for N7 million.
Meanwhile, aspirants for State Houses of Assembly will pay N2 million.
The fees reflect the party’s framework for candidate participation across all major elective positions in the upcoming election cycle.
Female Aspirants, Youths and Persons With Disabilities Get Concessions
In what it described as part of efforts to promote inclusion and broader political participation, the faction disclosed that female aspirants will only be required to purchase expression of interest forms.
The party also announced that young aspirants and persons living with disabilities will enjoy a 50 per cent discount on nomination fees.
The concession is expected to lower financial barriers and encourage greater participation by groups often underrepresented in electoral contests.
Party officials said the decision aligns with efforts to make internal democratic processes more inclusive while widening access to political participation.
Election Activities Begin May 4, 2026
According to the timetable, the process will officially commence on Monday, May 4, 2026, with the issuance of notices of election to state chapters of the party.
The sale of expression of interest and nomination forms will begin on May 5 and run through May 13, 2026.
The exercise will cover all elective offices listed in the party’s internal election schedule.
This phase will mark the formal opening of the nomination process for aspirants across the federation.
State Chapters to Submit Registers to INEC
The timetable also directs all state chapters of the party to submit their party registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on May 7, 2026.
The submission of party registers is regarded as a critical administrative requirement in the electoral process, particularly as parties prepare for primaries and candidate validation.
Screening of Aspirants to Hold in Phases
The faction has scheduled the screening of aspirants in multiple stages.
According to the released timetable:
- State House of Assembly aspirants will be screened on May 15, 2026
- House of Representatives and Senate aspirants will undergo screening on May 16, 2026
- Governorship and presidential aspirants are scheduled for screening on May 18, 2026
The party further stated that appeals arising from the screening process will be heard on May 21, 2026.
The phased screening structure is expected to allow the party to manage the process more effectively while addressing disputes within a defined timeframe.
Ward Congresses and Primaries Scheduled for Late May
The internal election calendar also sets late May 2026 for ward congresses and party primaries.
The timetable includes special ward congresses dedicated to the presidential primary process, underscoring the strategic importance of the presidential contest within the party’s internal arrangements.
A Special National Convention has been scheduled for May 30, 2026, where successful candidates are expected to be formally ratified.
The convention will serve as a major milestone in the party’s preparation for the general elections.
Submission of Nomination Forms to INEC
Following the completion of primaries and ratification, the party said nomination forms for candidates will be submitted to INEC electronically.
The submission window is expected to run from late June to mid-July 2026.
Electronic submission has become an increasingly important administrative part of Nigeria’s modern electoral process, helping parties comply with timelines and regulatory requirements.
Campaigns to Begin in August and September 2026
Campaign activities are also clearly outlined in the election calendar.
According to the timetable, presidential and National Assembly campaigns will begin in August 2026.
Meanwhile, governorship and State House of Assembly campaigns are scheduled to commence in September 2026.
The party indicated that all campaign activities are expected to conclude in early 2027, ahead of the general elections.
The campaign period is expected to provide aspirants with the opportunity to present policy priorities, mobilise support, and engage party members and the broader electorate.
INEC Election Dates for 2027
The released timetable also aligns with dates already announced by INEC for the conduct of the 2027 general elections.
According to the electoral commission:
- Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027
- Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027
INEC also stated that party primaries, including dispute resolution, will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026.
The commission further fixed August 19, 2026 as the official commencement date for presidential and National Assembly campaigns, while September 9, 2026 has been set for the commencement of governorship and state assembly campaigns.
Early Signals of 2027 Political Realignment
The release of the timetable by the Makinde-aligned PDP faction offers one of the clearest indications yet that preparations for the 2027 political contest are gradually taking shape.
Political observers say the publication of nomination fees, screening schedules, congress dates, and campaign timelines reflects the growing momentum within party structures as major political actors begin positioning for the next election cycle.
As internal party consultations, alignments, and strategic calculations continue to evolve, the coming months are expected to shape the broader political landscape leading into the 2027 general elections.
