The Peoples Democratic Party has appointed a 13-member Interim National Working Committee to run the party’s affairs and guide preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The decision was taken at the party’s 103rd National Executive Committee meeting held Monday in Abuja. The move follows a Supreme Court judgment that invalidated the PDP’s National Convention of November 15-16, 2025, and dismissed appeals by the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led leadership, creating a vacuum at the top of the party.

According to a statement posted on the party’s official X handle, the Board of Trustees recommended the interim leadership to prevent a gap at a critical time. The BoT said it assumed responsibility for the party’s national leadership in line with the PDP constitution after the court ruling nullified key party structures.

The newly appointed interim NWC is chaired by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN. Other members include Alh. Hamza Akuyam Koshe, Dr. Daniel Woyenikuro, Richard Ihediwa, Isa Abubakar, Okechekwu Obiechina Daniel, Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan, Comrade Ini Ememobong, Hon. Aribisala Adewale Idowu, Barr. Bara’u Shafi, Mrs. Anthonia Chinenyenwa, Umar Dan Aji, and H.E. Amb. Taofeek Arapaja as Secretary. The committee has been inaugurated and charged to start work immediately.

The Turaki-led interim NEC has also approved the party’s 2026 pre-election timetable and nomination guidelines. Sale of expression of interest and nomination forms will run from May 5 to May 13, 2026. Completed forms must be submitted by May 14. Screening of aspirants is scheduled for May 15-18, with appeals on May 21. The final list of cleared aspirants will be published on May 22.

Ward primaries for all offices are set for May 27, with appeals on May 28. A NEC meeting to approve nominated candidates will hold on May 29, followed by a Special National Convention for ratification on May 30, 2026.

The party fixed nomination costs as follows: Presidential – Expression of Interest ₦10 million, Nomination Form ₦90 million; Governorship – ₦5 million and ₦35 million; Senate – ₦3 million and ₦7 million; House of Representatives – ₦2 million and ₦5 million; State House of Assembly – ₦500,000 and ₦1.5 million. Women are exempted from paying for nomination forms and will pay only for expression of interest, while youths and persons with disabilities will pay 50% of the nomination fee.

INEC has scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls will hold on February 6, 2027.