PDP faction releases 2026 primary timetable, fixes presidential form at N100m

The interim leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Turaki has announced its schedule for the 2026 party primaries in Nigeria, setting timelines for the sale and submission of nomination forms, screening of aspirants, and conduct of internal elections ahead of the next general election cycle.

The party’s interim National Executive Committee approved the timetable, which shows that sales of expression of interest and nomination forms will begin on May 5, 2026, and end on May 13, 2026, while completed forms must be submitted by May 14, 2026.

Screening of aspirants is fixed for May 15 to May 18, 2026, followed by screening appeals on May 21, and publication of cleared candidates on May 22. Ward primaries for all positions will take place on May 27, while appeals on the primaries are scheduled for May 28. The NEC meeting to approve final candidates will hold on May 29, and a special convention for ratification of candidates is set for May 30, 2026.

The party also released the cost of nomination forms for different offices. House of Assembly aspirants will pay ₦500,000 for expression of interest and ₦1.5 million for nomination forms. House of Representatives aspirants will pay ₦2 million and ₦5 million respectively, while senatorial aspirants will pay ₦3 million and ₦7 million.

For governorship aspirants, the party fixed ₦5 million for expression of interest and ₦35 million for nomination forms. Presidential aspirants are required to pay ₦10 million for expression of interest and ₦90 million for nomination forms.

The PDP added that women will only pay for expression of interest forms, while youths and persons with disabilities will pay half of the nomination fees depending on the office they are contesting.

The timetable is part of preparations by the party to organise its internal processes ahead of the 2026 primaries and the 2027 general elections.