2027: Wike-backed PDP faction fixes presidential form at N51m, gov N21m

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is gearing up for the 2027 general elections, but the process is marred by internal divisions and hefty financial demands. A faction, notably supported by the influential Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has announced its nomination form fees, setting a presidential aspirant's cost at a staggering ₦51 million and governorship aspirants at ₦21 million. This move, detailed in a timetable released by the faction's National Organizing Secretary, Umar Bature, signals a potentially lucrative, or perhaps exclusionary, approach to selecting candidates.

“

Yes, there was an attack in Pubagu, Askira Uba, yesterday, Tuesday, around 4 p.m. Eleven people were killed. While in Mayo-Ladde, Hong Local Government in Adamawa State, nine people were killed.

The party's internal crisis has led to a split, with two distinct factions vying for control. One is aligned with Tanimu Turaki, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, while the other is backed by Wike. The legal battles stemming from this schism are ongoing, with the Supreme Court expected to deliver a judgment soon. This political maneuvering and the high cost of nomination forms raise questions about accessibility and internal democracy within the PDP as the nation looks towards the next electoral cycle.

“

In total, we have 20 deaths, 11 from Askira Uba in Borno, nine from Hong Local Government, Adamawa.

From our vantage point at The Punch, these developments highlight the complex and often financially driven nature of Nigerian politics. While the fees are substantial, they are not entirely unprecedented in the country's political landscape, where party nominations can often be a costly affair. However, the current factionalization within the PDP adds another layer of intrigue, suggesting that the path to the 2027 elections will be anything but straightforward for the opposition party.

“

I later went there together with the Army. Initially, it was local security that was there, that is, hunters and vigilantes. But they were overpowered by the terrorists.