Makinde camp moves forward with 2027 plans, announces screening for 3,181 PDP candidates

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction allied with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has intensified preparations for the 2027 elections with the announcement that over 3,000 candidates will undergo screening for various elected positions across the country.

The development marks another major step by the Makinde-backed bloc as it continues to run its parallel political structure amid an ongoing leadership crisis rocking the opposition parties.

In a statement issued on Sunday via the faction’s official X account, the group revealed that 3,181 candidates are expected to participate in the screening exercise scheduled to be held nationwide on May 19, 2026.

Based on details released by the faction, 2,122 candidates are running to enter the House of Representatives, while 748 people are fighting for seats in the House of Representatives.

The faction also revealed that 198 candidates are vying for the senatorial ticket, 112 are vying for the governor’s position, and one candidate has expressed interest in the party’s presidential candidate.

Announcing the formation of a screening committee and appeal panel for the exercise, the faction said the move follows decisions taken by its leadership in line with preparations for the next general elections.

“Following the 2027 Election Schedule and Activities Schedule which was approved by the National Executive Committee (NEC) at its 104th Meeting, the Interim National Working Committee (iNWC) hereby announces the publication of unregistered members to serve on the Screening Committee and Screening Appeals Panel,” the statement read.

The group explained that the exercise was part of the implementation of the election schedule and internal guidelines that had been approved ahead of the 2027 elections.

It was further stated that screenings of the film will be held simultaneously across the country starting at 10 am on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

Also read: Why I Left the Music Industry — Carter Efe shares a frustrating experience

“So the total number of candidates expected to be screened is: SHOA 2,122 people, HOR 748 people, Senators 198 people, Governor 112 people, and President 1 person.

“For further questions, please contact the Organizing Member/Secretary, Temporary National Working Committee at our National Secretariat.

“The exercise will be carried out nationally on Tuesday, May 19 2026 at 10.00,” the statement added.

The latest move highlights the growing divisions within the PDP, which is still embroiled in a long-running internal dispute between the Makinde-backed camp and another faction loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.

The Makinde camp previously formed a 13-member Interim National Working Committee headed by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki and has since continued independent preparations for the 2027 elections, including the sale of nomination forms and the publication of their own political schedule.

However, rival factions allied to Wike have consistently rejected the Makinde bloc’s actions, describing the parallel structures and activities as illegitimate and lacking legitimacy within the party.

Political observers believe this latest announcement will further deepen tensions within the PDP as the two factions continue to fight for control of the party ahead of the next election cycle.

Makinde himself has publicly expressed interest in running as the PDP’s presidential candidate, a move that further escalates political calculations within the divided opposition party.