ABUJA — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) announced that it will begin screening its presidential and governorship aspirants on Thursday, May 19, at the party’s National Secretariat Annex in Abuja’s Legacy House, Maitama.
The presidential screening, slated to start at 2 p.m., will be overseen by a committee chaired by former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, with Hassan Sokodobo serving as secretary. Committee members include Alhaji Abba Isawa, Senator George Sekibo, Sodipo Semiu, Mrs Chinelo Chidebelu, Nasiru Mohammed, Senator Zainab Kure and Lindsey Sora.
The governorship aspirants’ screening will commence at noon, chaired by former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi, with George Ariolu as secretary. The panel also comprises Dr Ibrahim Umar, Prof Aisha Madawaki, Tajudeen Yusuf, Dr Abdulganiyu Oloyin, Babangida Modibbo, Alhaji Buba Biri, Olaniyi Ogungbuji, Mike Ahumibe, Gabriel Igboko, Pastor Tony Effiong and Mrs Precious Ojelabi.
The process follows a recent extension of the deadline for purchasing nomination and expression‑of‑interest forms. The interim National Working Committee, led by Tanimu Turaki, announced that the purchase window now runs until May 15, with the final submission date set for May 18. The committee said the adjustment was made in response to appeals from stakeholders and aspirants across the federation.
While aspirants for National and State Assembly seats will be screened in their respective states, the presidential and governorship candidates will face a centralized assessment in Abuja. All other timelines previously communicated by the party remain unchanged.
The screenings are a key step in the PDP’s preparation for the upcoming general elections, aiming to vet candidates and ensure compliance with internal party requirements before the official nomination process begins.
