Wike-backed PDP uploads names of presidential and national assembly candidates to INEC portal

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says it has uploaded the names of its presidential, vice-presidential and National Assembly candidates for the 2027 general elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination portal.

The faction’s National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, announced the development in a statement, describing it as another major step towards the party’s participation in the 2027 polls.

“This is a clear demonstration of our commitment to the promise we made that, under my leadership, the PDP will fully participate in the 2027 General Elections. Today, we have taken another decisive step towards fulfilling that promise,” he said. Mohammed added that the party was awaiting the completion of the upload of its governorship and State House of Assembly candidates.

“As we await the conclusion of the upload of our Governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates, I, on behalf of the National Working Committee of our Party, extend my heartfelt congratulations to all PDP members across Nigeria and around the world. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, more united Party and a better future for our nation.”

The PDP remains divided into rival factions, with the Wike-backed camp currently recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In May, the Wike-backed faction adopted former Cross River senator Sandy Onor as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election. Days later, the rival faction led by Kabiru Turaki announced former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate.

The development comes days after Wike said the PDP would find it difficult to win the presidency unless it first resolved its lingering internal crisis. “It will be difficult for the PDP to win a presidential election unless it first resolves its lingering internal crises.”

The FCT minister also argued that political parties seeking to win presidential elections must first overcome their internal challenges and strengthen their grassroots structures.