The Peoples Democratic Party has commenced the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms for aspirants seeking national offices, one week after zoning its 2027 presidential ticket to the South.
According to documents obtained by Nigerian Tribune, the exercise officially began on Wednesday, September 3, under the supervision of the Directorate of Finance at the party’s National Secretariat in Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
The form sales are part of preparations for the PDP’s elective national convention scheduled for November 15-16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. Party officials have outlined a comprehensive timeline designed to ensure smooth proceedings and avoid the internal conflicts that plagued previous conventions.
Aspirants have been given until September 26 to submit their completed forms to the Directorate of Organisation/Mobilisation, which will subsequently forward the applications to the screening committee. The screening process for all contestants is set for September 30, after which successful candidates will receive their list and provisional clearance certificates.
The initiative follows zonal consultations that began on August 26, where party stakeholders discussed issues relating to national offices. Sources familiar with the process indicated these engagements aim to reduce tensions and create favorable conditions for the upcoming convention.
However, uncertainty remains over the micro-zoning arrangements for key national offices, despite the earlier decision to allocate the 2027 presidential ticket to the South. Party insiders suggest this issue may still require resolution before the convention.
The structured approach reflects the PDP’s determination to avoid a repetition of the post-2022 convention crisis that significantly weakened the party ahead of the 2023 presidential elections. Party leaders are reportedly keen to present a united front as they work toward rebuilding their political fortunes.
The November convention in Ibadan will be crucial for the opposition party as it seeks to reposition itself for future electoral contests, particularly the 2027 general elections where it hopes to reclaim power from the ruling All Progressives Congress.
With the form sales now underway, attention will focus on which prominent party figures emerge as candidates for various national positions and how the leadership successfully manages potential conflicts during the selection process.
