Opposition party insists presidential nomination process remains open despite zoning controversy and exclusion allegations
By Baron Eloagu / May 21, 2026
ABUJA —The Peoples Democratic Party has dismissed allegations that it is restricting the sale of nomination forms to certain aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that no individual has been officially prevented from participating in the process.
The party’s Interim National Working Committee (INWC) stated that it was unaware of any action by party officials aimed at obstructing access to nomination forms.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong.
PDP Extends Deadline for Nomination Forms
According to the statement, the party recently adjusted its timetable to accommodate more aspirants interested in contesting various positions.
The revised schedule extends the deadline for the purchase and submission of completed nomination forms to Friday, May 22, 2026, while screening for late applicants is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026.
“We state clearly that the Interim National Working Committee is not aware of any hindrance by the party through its officials to prevent anybody from purchasing the forms,” the statement read.
The PDP urged party members and the public to disregard reports suggesting that aspirants were being excluded or manipulated out of the process.
PDP Speaks on Southern Zoning Arrangement
The opposition party also addressed concerns surrounding its zoning arrangement, which reserves the party’s presidential ticket for aspirants from Southern Nigeria.
While acknowledging the zoning decision earlier adopted by the party’s National Executive Committee, the PDP maintained that the constitutional right of Nigerians to aspire to public office cannot be overridden by internal political agreements.
“It is worth mentioning that though the National Executive Committee of our party had long ago zoned the presidential ticket to aspirants from the southern part of Nigeria, the right to aspire is a constitutional provision which cannot be circumscribed by directional agreements like zoning,” the party stated.
The development comes amid growing political debates within the PDP over zoning, inclusiveness, and preparations for the 2027 presidential election.
Growing Tension Ahead of PDP Primaries
The PDP’s clarification follows increasing speculation over internal disagreements and possible power struggles ahead of the party’s primaries.
Recent political developments within the opposition party have triggered concerns among stakeholders over transparency and equal access to the nomination process.
The party, however, insisted that nomination forms remain available to eligible aspirants within the approved timeline and that no aspirant is being unfairly targeted.
Political observers believe the statement is aimed at calming tensions within the PDP and reassuring party members amid mounting political calculations ahead of the next election cycle.
As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, the PDP faces increasing pressure to manage internal interests, zoning controversies, and aspirant expectations without deepening divisions within the party. The latest clarification by the party leadership appears intended to reinforce confidence in the credibility and openness of its nomination process.
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