The Peoples Democratic Party has started screening aspirants for the 2027 elections, with only one person turning up for the presidential race and 25 candidates for governorship seats.

The process was held Thursday at the PDP National Secretariat Annex in Abuja’s Maitama district. Governorship hopefuls were screened first at noon, followed by the lone presidential aspirant at 2 p.m.

Former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is leading the presidential screening panel, with Hassan Sokodobo as secretary. The committee also includes Sen. George Sekibo, Alhaji Abba Isawa, Mrs Chinelo Chidebelu, and Lindsey Sora.

For the governorship screening, ex-Kaduna Governor Ahmed Makarfi chairs the panel, assisted by George Ariolu as secretary. Other members are Dr Ibrahim Umar, Prof. Aisha Madawaki, Tajudeen Yusuf, and several others.

The screening came after the party extended deadlines for buying and submitting nomination forms to May 15 and May 18 respectively, following requests from members nationwide. 

PDP said National and State Assembly aspirants will be screened in their states, while governorship and presidential candidates will be screened in Abuja.