The Nyesom Wike-backed faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it has successfully uploaded the names of its presidential candidate, running mate and National Assembly candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Candidate Nomination Portal ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The announcement was made on Sunday by the faction’s National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, who described the development as a major milestone in the party’s preparations for the next general election.
In a statement, Mohammed said the successful submission of the candidates’ names showed the faction’s determination to fully participate in the 2027 polls despite the internal challenges facing the opposition party.
According to him, the exercise fulfilled an earlier promise that the party would complete all necessary preparations for the elections within the timelines set by the electoral commission.
“I am pleased to inform all PDP members and Nigerians that our great party, under my leadership, has successfully uploaded the names of our presidential candidate, his running mate and our National Assembly candidates onto the INEC Candidate Nomination Portal,” Mohammed said.
“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.”
The party chairman said attention has now shifted to the remaining category of candidates, adding that the faction is awaiting the completion of the upload of its governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates.
He expressed confidence that the remaining process would be completed without difficulty and congratulated party members on what he described as the successful completion of another important stage in the nomination exercise.
Mohammed also praised members and officials of the faction for their commitment to the process, saying their efforts had helped position the party for the elections.
The upload of candidates’ names to the INEC Candidate Nomination Portal is one of the key stages in Nigeria’s electoral process. Political parties are required to submit the names and details of their nominated candidates within deadlines fixed by the electoral commission. The submissions are made electronically through INEC’s dedicated portal before the commission publishes the final list of candidates.
The latest announcement comes as political parties across the country continue to prepare for the 2027 general elections by conducting primaries and submitting the names of successful candidates for various elective positions.
However, the development is taking place against the backdrop of the prolonged leadership crisis within the PDP, Nigeria’s main opposition party.
The party has, in recent years, witnessed deep divisions among its leaders over issues ranging from its national leadership to the conduct of congresses and conventions. The disagreements became more pronounced after the 2023 general elections and have continued to shape the party’s internal politics.
Former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has remained one of the most influential figures associated with a faction of the party. His political activities have generated debate within the PDP, with different groups laying claim to the party’s leadership and structures.
The emergence of different factions has led to parallel meetings, conflicting decisions and legal battles over the control of the party.
Despite the internal disputes, leaders of the Wike-backed faction insist they remain committed to contesting the 2027 elections and complying with all electoral requirements.
INEC has repeatedly urged political parties to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act and its timetable for the conduct of party primaries and submission of candidates.
The commission has also maintained that political parties must resolve their internal disputes through the mechanisms provided by law, as only duly recognised candidates who emerge from valid nomination processes will be accepted.
For the Wike-backed PDP faction, Sunday’s announcement is being presented as evidence of its readiness to compete in the next general elections.
Mohammed said the successful upload of the presidential, vice-presidential and National Assembly candidates marks another important achievement for the faction and reflects its determination to remain active in Nigeria’s political process.
He assured party members that efforts were ongoing to complete the nomination process for governorship and State House of Assembly candidates, expressing optimism that the remaining stages would be concluded successfully.
With preparations for the 2027 elections gathering momentum, attention is expected to remain on the PDP and other political parties as they work to meet INEC’s requirements while navigating internal political challenges that could shape the outcome of the polls.