The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) announced that it has completed the screening of 45 aspirants ahead of the upcoming primary elections for state and national legislative seats in Cross River State. The disclosures were made by Mr. Joe Bisong, the PDP’s state secretary, during a press briefing in Calabar on Wednesday.
According to Bisong, the party’s internal vetting process was carried out by a five‑member panel headed by former legislator Fred Osim. The panel examined 33 candidates seeking nominations for the Cross River House of Assembly, three aspirants for the Senate, and nine for the House of Representatives.
Bisong used the opportunity to contrast the PDP’s position with that of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He argued that the APC’s performance in government since 2015 has created a political environment conducive to a PDP resurgence. “The PDP is the only political party that can guarantee Nigeria’s democracy,” he said. “We have been tested and proven worthy of the trust of the Nigerian people.”
The secretary underscored the party’s grassroots support, stating that the PDP enjoys sufficient backing to win elections at various levels of government. While declining to provide specific figures, he affirmed that the party’s organizational network across the state is robust and ready to mobilise voters.
The screening exercise, a routine step in the party’s candidate selection process, is intended to ensure that aspirants meet internal criteria on integrity, popularity and electability. The PDP has not released the names of the screened individuals, citing internal party protocols.
The announcement comes as political parties across Nigeria intensify preparations for forthcoming electoral contests, including the 2027 general elections. Analysts note that the outcome of the primaries will shape the competitive dynamics between the PDP and the APC in Cross River, a state that has historically swung between the two major parties.
Observers will watch closely how the PDP’s chosen candidates fare in the primary elections, which serve as the first test of the party’s renewed momentum. The results could influence broader strategic calculations for both parties ahead of the national polls, where control of the Senate and the House of Representatives remains a pivotal objective.
As the primary calendar advances, the PDP’s next steps will involve campaigning, voter outreach and consolidation of its internal structures. The party’s performance in these early stages will likely serve as a barometer for its prospects in the larger electoral arena.
