By Our Correspondent

National News – The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party backed by Seyi Makinde has announced plans to screen 3,181 aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The exercise, scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2026, will take place nationwide as the party intensifies preparations for candidate selection across key political offices in Nigeria.

According to the faction’s Interim National Working Committee, the screening process will cover aspirants contesting for the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and the presidency.

The party explained that the move followed the approval of the 2027 election timetable and guidelines during its 104th National Executive Committee meeting.

The committee disclosed that 2,122 aspirants are seeking State House of Assembly tickets, while 748 aspirants are contesting for seats in the House of Representatives.

Another 198 politicians are vying for senatorial tickets, with 112 governorship hopefuls and one presidential aspirant also expected to participate in the screening exercise.

The Makinde-backed PDP faction stated that the screening committees and appeal panels were constituted to ensure transparency and compliance with party regulations.

The exercise is expected to begin at 10:00 a.m. across the country. The development comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP.

The Makinde-led camp and the faction loyal to Nyesom Wike have remained divided over the party’s leadership structure and preparations for the 2027 elections.

While the Makinde faction has proceeded with nomination forms and election plans, the Wike-backed group insists such actions are not officially recognised by the party.

Political observers believe the large number of aspirants reflects growing interest in the 2027 elections and signals intensified competition within the PDP as political realignments continue nationwide.