A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has intensified preparations for the 2027 general elections, announcing plans to screen 3,181 aspirants nationwide for various elective offices amid the party’s lingering leadership crisis.
The development marks the latest move by the Makinde-aligned bloc in the deepening power struggle within the PDP, as rival camps continue to battle for control of the opposition party ahead of the next electoral cycle.
In a statement released on Sunday through the faction’s official social media platforms, the group disclosed that the screening exercise would hold nationwide on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, beginning at 10 a.m.
According to the statement, aspirants expected to participate in the exercise include 2,122 contenders for state Houses of Assembly seats, 748 House of Representatives aspirants, 198 senatorial hopefuls, 112 governorship aspirants and one presidential aspirant.
The faction also announced the constitution of screening committees and appeal panels, saying the move followed resolutions reached by its Interim National Working Committee.
“Following the approved Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections by the National Executive Committee at its 104th meeting, the Interim National Working Committee hereby announces the publication of members to serve as the Screening Committees and Screening Appeal Panels,” the statement read.
The group added that the publication was in line with the party’s electoral guidelines and preparations for the 2027 polls.
The announcement comes as the PDP remains sharply divided between camps loyal to Makinde and those aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The crisis escalated after the Makinde-backed camp constituted a 13-member Interim National Working Committee headed by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki and proceeded with its own political timetable, nomination process and internal restructuring.
The Wike-aligned faction has repeatedly rejected those actions, insisting that the structures set up by the rival bloc lack legitimacy and do not represent the officially recognised organs of the party.
Political observers say the latest screening exercise signals that the Makinde camp is determined to consolidate its hold on party structures ahead of a potentially explosive presidential primary contest.
Makinde, who has emerged as one of the most influential governors within the PDP, has already declared interest in contesting the party’s presidential ticket for the 2027 election, a move that has reshaped internal alignments across several states.
The governor’s growing national influence has also intensified calculations among party stakeholders seeking to reposition the PDP after its defeat in the 2023 presidential election.
Analysts believe the screening of over 3,000 aspirants suggests that both camps within the opposition party are already preparing for parallel political activities if reconciliation efforts fail.
The PDP has struggled with prolonged internal disputes since the aftermath of the 2023 elections, with disagreements over leadership, zoning arrangements and control of party structures worsening tensions among top figures.
Attempts by senior party elders and governors to broker peace between the rival camps have yet to produce a lasting resolution.
Despite the divisions, the PDP remains one of Nigeria’s major opposition parties and is expected to play a central role in the political contest leading to 2027.
