By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday evening released its 2027 election timetable, fixing its presidential primaries for May 23, 2026, National Convention for March 29-30, 2026.

The resolutions were issued in a
communique, read by Jungudo Mohammed, at the end of the party’s 106th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja.

The NEC’s commendation of the caretaker committee led by Hon. Abdur Rahman Mohammed for stabilizing the party during the transitional period.

The NEC expressed satisfaction with the successful conduct of both national and local government congresses across the country and expressed confidence that the upcoming state congresses and zonal congresses will be carried out peacefully and transparently in strict compliance with the party’s constitution and guidelines.

The NEC also commended the Court of Appeal’s judgment affirming the authority of the National Caretaker Committee, the NEC stressed that the decision strengthens constitutional processes and stability within the party.

In this context, the committee urged all disputing factions to embrace reconciliation, avoid further litigation, and desist from moves to the Supreme Court for the sake of party unity and stability.

The meeting also approved the expansion of the party’s electronic membership registration to modernize the database, enhance grassroots participation, and improve transparency and efficiency in party administration.

According to the communique, the party’s timetable for upcoming primaries and convention activities has been approved in line with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) schedule for the 2027 general elections.
Key dates include:
Submission of party register: April 10, 2026
State Assembly primaries: May 2, 2026
National Assembly primaries: May 9, 2026
Gubernatorial primaries: May 16, 2026
Presidential primaries: May 23, 2026
National Convention: March 29-30, 2026.

The NEC strongly condemned the attack on party members during recent congresses in Oyo State, describing it as “unfortunate and unacceptable” and urged security agencies to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The meeting concluded with a renewed call for all party leaders, stakeholders, and members nationwide to remain united, disciplined, and focused, reiterating the PDP’s commitment to democratic principles, national unity, good governance, and the welfare of Nigerians.

“The NEC ended on a note of renewed unity and determination among party leaders and members to strengthen the party and position it for greater national service,” the communique read.

This resolution underscores PDP’s resolve to present a cohesive and credible platform ahead of the 2027 general elections, with emphasis on internal democracy, transparency, and peaceful engagement.

Earlier, The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike, at the occasion insists that his faction is firmly in control of the party.

Wike denied being a mole in the party and insisted he is still committed and loyal to the party. And said his faction is open to negotiation on the position of strength.

“PDP will never die. There comes a time when you have crises, but those crises are for you to put yourself in order. We are for reconciliation, but genuine reconciliation.

“When you talk about reconciliation, come with concrete proposals. I don’t like people who negotiate at night and come out to shout in the daytime,” Wike said.

Wike insisted, “The party is working hard for the convention to hold. The venue has been secured and necessary fees paid.
Convention must hold and everyone will be allowed to participate.

“We must provide a platform for the party to act as one. Whether I contest the election in 2027 or not, the survival of PDP is paramount”.

By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja

The Wike’s faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has called for restraint from the relentless legal battles advising members to give reconciliation and party consolidation a chance.

Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee, Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, stated this on Wednesday, during the 86th meeting of the Senator Mao Ohuabunwa-led Board of Trustees BoT, in Abuja.

He lamented that recent judicial outcomes should serve as a final signal for members to sheath their swords.

“The court has spoken once again that the rule of law must prevail in our party’s internal affairs. I want to call on all party stakeholders, leaders to unite ourselves for the betterment of our party. Enough of litigations that will delay our activities towards the 2027 general election”, he said.

The meeting, presided over by BoT Chairman Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, served as a platform to outline the party’s roadmap for the coming weeks, including state congresses and the National Convention.

In his address, Senator Ohuabunwa characterized the gathering as a “defining moment” for the PDP, calling for “wisdom, institutional memory, and calm reflection.”

He said; “This gathering comes at a defining moment in the life of the PDP; one that calls not for emotion or haste, but for wisdom, institutional memory, and calm reflection. As the Board of Trustees, we are not merely participants in party affairs; we are the custodians of its soul, its values, and its constitutional integrity.

“Our party has recently recorded significant milestones in its ongoing process of internal reorganization and strengthening. Across the country, we have successfully conducted ward and local government congresses, which were largely peaceful, transparent and reflective of the democratic spirit that defines our party.

“These exercises demonstrate that the PDP remains deeply rooted in participatory democracy and the will of its members at the grassroots.

“We are optimistic that the state congresses scheduled to take place this weekend will further consolidate this process and strengthen our party structures across the federation. These congresses are not merely administrative exercises; they are critical steps in renewing the legitimacy, inclusiveness, and vitality of our great party.

In the same spirit, preparations are well underway for our National Convention scheduled for the 29th and 30th of March, which will provide an opportunity for the party to further reposition itself and reaffirm its commitment to democratic principles, unity, and national service.

“It is also important to acknowledge the recent judgments of the Court of Appeal, which have affirmed the legality and authority of the National Caretaker Committee led by Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed.

“These judicial pronouncements have provided much-needed clarity and stability within the party. As a law-abiding political organization, we respect the decisions of the courts and will continue to conduct our affairs in accordance with the rule of law and the provisions of our party constitution”, he added.

By Felix Umande, Makurdi

The crisis in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State may be deepening as its two rival factions held parallel state congresses, producing separate executive committees (EXCOs)

Press Icon Newspaper Correspondent who monitored the events gathered that, the factions loyal to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. Dr. George Akume, held their congress at Eunice Resort in Makurdi the state’s capital where they reaffirmed Hon. Austin Agada, who was duly elected chairman in 2022.

On the other hand, the faction aligned with Governor Hyacinth Alia, held theirs at the IBB Square, Makurdi where Hon. Benjamin Omale was elected as the new APC Chairman of the State, among other executive members on Tuesday.

In his acceptance speech, Hon. Austin Agada thanked his supporters for the peaceful conduct of the congress and for the opportunity to have his executive serve again for another tenure.

He promised to stand on the unity of the party as laid down by the party’s national leadership, assuring to support the SGF, George Akume and to work to ensure the return of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu as president in 2027.

Addressing the crowd earlier, Senator representing Benue South Senatorial district, Sen. Titus Tartenger Zam, commended the members of the faction for standing firm with the party and ensuring their needed support in the face of distractions, reassuring that the faction would work for the reelection of the president and members of the national assembly come 2027.

He however said, for the governorship position, consultations are still in the pipeline which will be let known by the people at the appropriate time.

Meanwhile, Hon. Benjamin Omale, the Alia-aligned chairman, promised transparent and inclusive leadership, affirming loyalty to the APC and support for President Tinubu and Governor Alia’s re-election.

Governor Alia in his address earlier at the congress, expressed satisfaction with the peaceful and transparent conduct of the Benue APC congress, urging members to work towards party growth and development.

The both congresses were monitored by representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

The parallel congress have raised concerns about the party’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections, with the party’s national leadership yet to issue an official stance on the conflicting outcomes.