WIKE-LED PDP BEGINS SCREENING OF PRESIDENTIAL, GOVERNORSHIP, NASS ASPIRANTS

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Nyesom Wike has commenced the screening of aspirants contesting presidential, governorship, and National Assembly positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the party said the exercise is being coordinated by the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee (NWC).

The statement, signed by Chinwe Nnorom, National Director of Publicity, on behalf of the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, disclosed that the screening of governorship aspirants was scheduled for 12 noon at the PDP National Secretariat Annex, Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja, while presidential aspirants were to be screened at 2 pm on the same day and venue.

According to the party, the presidential screening committee is chaired by former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, with Hassan Sokodobo serving as secretary. Other members include former Senators George Sekibo and Zainab Kure, alongside other party stakeholders.

For the governorship category, the screening committee is chaired by former Kaduna State Governor, Ahmed Makarfi, with George Ariolu as secretary. Other members include Ibrahim Umar, Aisha Madawaki, Tajudeen Yusuf, and other party leaders.

Meanwhile, Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, confirmed she had undergone and successfully completed the screening process for aspirants ahead of the party primaries.

Speaking in Lokoja after the exercise, she said she presented all required credentials and documents, expressing satisfaction with the process as part of preparations for the 2027 senatorial contest.

Similarly, Muhammed Abdullahi, popularly known as “Elephant,” said he had been screened and cleared to contest in the PDP primary for Kogi East Senatorial District.

In Cross River State, the PDP disclosed that 45 aspirants were screened for National Assembly and State Assembly seats ahead of its May 21 primaries. The exercise was conducted by a five-member panel led by Fred Osim. Among those screened was House of Representatives member, Alex Egbona, who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP.

Meanwhile, the Kabiru Turaki-led PDP faction announced an alliance with the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), following the opposition political leaders’ summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, in April. Party spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, said the collaboration emerged from ongoing efforts to strengthen opposition unity ahead of the 2027 elections.