By Achile Danjuma
The National Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has officially scheduled its presidential primaries for May 23, 2026, as part of a comprehensive timetable released following the party’s 106th NEC meeting in Abuja. The decision, which sets the stage for the party’s participation in the 2027 general elections, was among several key resolutions aimed at aligning internal democratic processes with the electoral calendar published by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
According to a communiqué read by the caretaker committee’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the party will submit its membership register to INEC on April 10, 2026, before proceeding with a series of primaries for various elective positions.
State Houses of Assembly primaries are scheduled for May 2, followed by National Assembly primaries on May 9 and gubernatorial primaries on May 16, culminating in the presidential primary on May 23.
The NEC emphasized that the approved schedule strictly adheres to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires INEC to issue notice of election at least three hundred days before the fixed date for the polls. The communiqué urged all party organs and stakeholders to commence necessary preparations and ensure strict compliance with the approved timelines and all relevant statutory provisions. In the lead-up to these primaries, the party is also focusing on its national convention, scheduled for March 29 and 30, where a new National Working Committee will be elected in accordance with the party’s constitution.
The NEC commended the caretaker committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed for its efforts in stabilizing the party during this transition period and expressed satisfaction with the conduct of recent ward and local government congresses, expressing confidence that the upcoming state congresses would be conducted peacefully.
The meeting also addressed internal party matters, with NEC welcoming recent Court of Appeal judgments that affirmed the leadership of the caretaker committee, noting that these rulings have strengthened constitutional processes and party stability. In a call for unity, the committee urged leaders and stakeholders involved in disputes to resolve their differences internally and refrain from pursuing further litigation, particularly moves to approach the Supreme Court.
Additionally, the party approved the commencement and expansion of electronic membership registration, describing the initiative as a forward-looking step toward modernizing its database and enhancing transparency in party administration.
However, NEC strongly condemned the attack by hoodlums on party members during recent congresses in Oyo State, describing the incident as unfortunate and contrary to democratic values, while calling on security agencies to investigate and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
As preparations continue for the remaining congresses, the national convention, and the primaries ahead of the 2027 elections, NEC urged party leaders and members across the federation to remain united and disciplined.