Politics
Pro-Wike PDP NEC Fx Dates For National Convention, Others
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 Saint Mugaga
A former Kaiama local government chairman, Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Ahmed has declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat to represent Kaiama/Baruten federal constituency of Kwara State, under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a letter intent addressed to both Chairmen Kaiama and Baruten of the PDP, and made available to the media, on Sunday, he said “I Abubakar Sadiq Ahmed of Bani ward, Kaiama LGA, hereby formally notify the leadership of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), of my intention to contest for the House of representatives seat, to represent Kaiama/ Baruten federal constituency in the forthcoming general elections”.
Sadiq, a grassroots politician, served the party and the good people of Kaiama in various capacity, as councillor Bani ward, Vice chairman and subsequently the executive chairman of of Kaiama LGA and as member 2014 National conference.
“In each of these roles, Hon Sadiq has worked closely with the grassroots to deliver democracy dividends and strengthen the PDP at all levels”.
He also assured the leadership and the good people of the constituency that if given a chance, he would advocate for good and quality education, healthcare, and youth empowerment as well as policies that would improve the lives of the ordinary people.
Sadiq, while pledging total loyalty to the party, promise to abide by the rules, guidelines and decisions of the leadership of the party, “I therefore humbly seek the support, blessings and nomination of our great party to fly the PDP flag in the forthcoming general elections, he said”.
…Stresses Unity, Accountability
Stakeholders in Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on Wednesday declare support for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Ekong Sampson, and the Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Okpolupm Etteh.
The Stakeholders, who made the declaration at a Town Hall Meeting, resolved to focus on unity of purpose, sustainable development and social democracy.
The meeting, attended by political leaders, entrepreneurs, elders, women and youth groups, emphasised collective responsibility in advancing the collective interest of Esit Eket to enhance growth and opportunities.
The gathering also encouraged indigenes of Esit Eket to embrace Arise Agenda and Renewed Hope by mobilising support for the Second term bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Ekong Sampson and Rt Hon Okpolobom Etteh.
Setting the tone, a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Sir Barr. Bassey Dan Abia Snr. described the gathering as community-driven, noting that participation in such engagements remains a civic responsibility and progressive politics.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this is the Esit Eket Stakeholders meeting. Regardless, we are overwhelmingly APC in Esit Eket and part of the ruling party in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria. Our agenda is how to move Esit Eket forward and recalibrate its growth paths. We must also be conscious of what happens to our community and its people,” he said.
Also speaking, a former member and spokesperson for the House of Representatives and currently, Special Adviser to the President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, called for accountability and transparency in the management of the PIA commonwealth, particularly the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT)fund, urging relevant authorities to interrogate the several governance breaches and misrepresentations in the management and implementation of the Host Community Development Trust Fund. Be it is a community development interventionist fund, we must not rest on oars but keep our eyes on the ball.
“We are here to provide a platform for everyone to ask questions,seek answers and participate in every acts of civil and political rights unimpeded,” he stated.
A former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Barr. Bassey Essien, also addressed the gathering, while ex-lawmaker, Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh urged the council chairman to convene a broader stakeholders’ meeting. He maintained that zoning remains critical in political stability and expressed confidence that the state government would uphold the principle in every circumstance.
Akpanusoh reaffirmed support for Hon. Etteh in the House of Representatives, noting that the zoning favours Ibeno, while backing Senator Sampson for the Senate. He further advised that a delegation be sent to the paramount ruler to formally convene a broader Stakeholders’ meeting to address series of development concerns of the Local Government.
The meeting featured contributions from representatives of the three zones in Esit Eket.
Speaking for Zone A, Prince Godwin Peter commended the unity among stakeholders and pledged alignment with community decisions, stressing that Hon. Etteh should be given the opportunity for the second term.
For Zone B, Dr. Victor Dan Ikott described the political direction as “a straight path,” affirming support for Tinubu, Akpabio, Sampson and Etteh, while noting that the State House of Assembly position would be decided by the zone.
Representing Zone C, Senior Christ Servantl, Martins Umoyo endorsed a second term for Governor Umo Eno alongside Tinubu, Akpabio and Etteh, urging continued confidence in the current leadership in the State and our Nigeria nation..
Speaking on behalf of women, Mercy Sam called for increased development efforts and inclusion of women in governance, emphasizing the need for visible impact in the community.
Youth representative, Comrade Bassey Bassey Abia, pledged the support of young people for the decisions of the elders, while urging that indigenous interests be protected.
The meeting concluded with a renewed call for unity, transparency, and inclusive leadership as stakeholders seek to chart a common political path for Esit Eket ahead of future elections.
By Saint Mugaga
For the umpteenth time, six members of the House of Representatives Wednesday cross carpeted to different political parties.
While four dumped the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP), and defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), two left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defections were announced by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during the plenary.
Those who left the NNPP for the ADC were Hon. Sani Wakili (Minjibri/Ungogo Federal Constituency, Kano State), Hon. Muktar Zakari (Tarauni Federal Constituency, Kano State), Hon. Yusuf Datti (Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam Federal Constituency, Kano State) and Hon. Abdulhakeem Ado (Wudil/Garko Federal Constituency, Kano State).
The lawmakers that jettisoned the PDP for the APC were: Hon. Chinedu Martins (Imo State) and Hon. Kabiru Amadu Mai Palace (Zamfara State).
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