A faction of the (PDP) aligned with Oyo State Governor has unveiled a comprehensive timetable and schedule of activities ahead of the 2026/2027 general elections, setting in motion what observers describe as an early and strategic mobilisation framework within the opposition party.
The announcement, which was disseminated via the faction’s official social media platforms, was formally endorsed by the Organising Secretary of its Interim National Working Committee, . The development signals a decisive move by the Makinde-backed bloc to consolidate its internal structures and position aspirants for upcoming electoral contests amid ongoing intra-party realignments.
According to the published timetable, the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for all elective positions—including State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, Governorship, and Presidential tickets—will commence on May 5 and conclude on May 13, 2026. The schedule underscores a compressed but deliberate timeline aimed at accelerating candidate emergence processes while maintaining compliance with statutory electoral requirements.
In a significant policy decision, the faction also approved a detailed fee structure for aspirants seeking nomination under its platform. The presidential nomination form has been pegged at ₦100 million, while governorship aspirants are required to pay ₦40 million. Senate hopefuls will obtain forms at ₦10 million, with House of Representatives forms fixed at ₦7 million, and State Assembly tickets set at ₦2 million. Party insiders suggest that the pricing reflects both fundraising imperatives and an attempt to streamline the number of serious contenders.
Notably, the faction introduced a set of inclusivity measures designed to broaden participation across demographic groups. Female aspirants are exempted from paying nomination fees and will only be required to purchase Expression of Interest forms. Additionally, youths and persons living with disabilities are to benefit from a 50 percent discount on nomination forms, a move analysts interpret as a strategic effort to enhance representation and align with contemporary calls for equity in Nigeria’s political landscape.
As part of its compliance obligations, the faction directed all state chapters to submit updated party registers to the (INEC) on May 7, 2026. This step is considered critical for the validation of party membership databases and the smooth conduct of primaries in accordance with electoral guidelines.
The release of the timetable comes amid lingering leadership disputes within the PDP, with multiple factions laying claim to the party’s national structure. Political analysts note that the Makinde-backed group’s proactive scheduling may be an attempt to assert legitimacy and organisational readiness ahead of potential reconciliation efforts or legal determinations.
While the broader PDP leadership is yet to issue a unified position on the development, the emergence of parallel frameworks highlights the persistent fragmentation within one of Nigeria’s major opposition parties. Stakeholders warn that unless harmonised, such divisions could impact the party’s competitiveness in the forthcoming general elections.
Nonetheless, the Makinde-aligned faction maintains that its actions are guided by a commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and inclusiveness. As the political calendar gradually unfolds, attention is expected to shift toward how other factions within the PDP respond, and whether a consensus timetable can ultimately be achieved in the interest of party cohesion and electoral viability.
