The Abdulraman Mohammed-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced plans to begin screening aspirants contesting for presidential and governorship tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party made the announcement in a statement issued in Abuja by its National Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom, on behalf of the National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed.
According to the schedule, the screening exercise for governorship aspirants will hold at noon on Thursday at the PDP National Secretariat Annex, Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja, while presidential aspirants will undergo screening later the same day at 2 p.m. at the same venue.
The party also disclosed the composition of the screening committees for both categories of aspirants.
The presidential screening committee is chaired by former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, with Hassan Sokodobo serving as secretary. Other members include Abba Isawa, Senator George Sekibo, Sodipo Semiu, Mrs Chinelo Chidebelu, Nasiru Mohammed, Senator Zainab Kure, and Lindsey Sora.
For the governorship aspirants, the screening committee is chaired by former Kaduna State Governor, Ahmed Makarfi, with George Ariolu as secretary. Members of the committee include Dr Ibrahim Umar, Professor Aisha Madawaki, Tajudeen Yusuf, Dr Abdulganiyu Oloyin, Babangida Modibbo, Alhaji Buba Biri, Olaniyi Ogungbuji, Mike Ahumibe, Gabriel Igboko, Pastor Tony Effiong, and Mrs Precious Ojelabi.
The development comes as the Tanimu Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee of the PDP recently extended deadlines for the purchase and submission of nomination and expression of interest forms for the 2027 elections.
According to that extension, the sale of forms now closes on May 15, while submission of completed forms ends on May 18. Screening of aspirants is scheduled for May 19.
The party explained that the adjustments were made following requests from stakeholders and aspirants across the country.
It also clarified that National Assembly and State Assembly aspirants will be screened at the state level, while presidential and governorship candidates will be screened at the national level in Abuja.
The PDP stated that all other previously announced election timelines remain unchanged.
