A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has announced plans to screen thousands of aspirants seeking elective offices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to a statement released on the party’s official Facebook page on Sunday, the faction is expected to screen a total of 3,181 aspirants across various political positions nationwide.
The breakdown of the figures released by the party shows that 2,122 aspirants will be screened for state houses of assembly seats, while 748 aspirants are seeking tickets for the House of Representatives. In addition, 198 senatorial aspirants and 112 governorship aspirants are expected to appear before the screening panels.
The statement further disclosed that one presidential aspirant would also undergo screening by the committee, signalling early preparations by the faction for the 2027 presidential contest.
According to the party, the nationwide screening exercise is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
The Interim National Working Committee (iNWC) of the faction also announced the appointment of members to serve on both the Screening Committees and the Screening Appeal Panels. The committees are expected to verify the eligibility, qualifications, and compliance status of all aspirants in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.
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“The publication of the screening details is in accordance with the party’s guidelines and timetable for the conduct of the 2027 general elections,” the statement noted.
The development highlights the growing political activities within the PDP as preparations for the next election cycle intensify. It also underscores the continued influence of Governor Seyi Makinde within a section of the opposition party amid ongoing internal realignments and leadership disagreements.
Political observers have noted that the announcement may further deepen existing divisions within the PDP, especially as different blocs continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections. The emergence of separate structures and parallel political activities in some states has fuelled concerns about the unity and stability of the party.
Despite the internal tensions, members of the Makinde-backed faction insist that the screening process is aimed at strengthening internal democracy and ensuring credible candidates emerge for the various elective positions.
Analysts believe the large number of aspirants seeking legislative and executive offices reflects increasing political interest in the 2027 elections, particularly as major political parties begin strategic consultations and mobilisation efforts across the country.
The outcome of the screening exercise is expected to shape the political direction of the faction and determine the calibre of candidates that will eventually contest under its platform in the forthcoming elections.
Attention is now focused on Tuesday’s exercise, which party stakeholders say will be a crucial step in the build-up to what is expected to be a fiercely contested 2027 general election season in Nigeria.
