Wike-Led PDP Faction Begins Screening of 2027 Aspirants

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party aligned with Nyesom Wike has commenced the screening of presidential, governorship, and national assembly aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The faction disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, noting that the exercise is being coordinated by the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee (NWC).

According to the statement, the screening process is part of preparations by the group to position itself for the next electoral cycle amid the lingering leadership crisis within the PDP.

The development further highlights the growing divisions within the party, as rival blocs continue to lay claim to the party’s leadership structure and political direction ahead of 2027.

The Wike-backed camp has maintained a strong influence within sections of the PDP since the fallout from the 2023 general elections, with disagreements over party leadership and alliances continuing to deepen.

Political observers say the commencement of the screening exercise signals an early move by the faction to consolidate its structure and mobilise loyalists across the country before the official election timetable is released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

More details are expected to emerge regarding the identities of aspirants participating in the screening process and the positions being contested.