2027: PDP “Authentic Faction” Begins Sale of Nomination Forms in Abia

The lingering leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State took a fresh twist on Tuesday as a faction loyal to an interim leadership announced the commencement of the sale of nomination forms for the 2026 elections, insisting it remains the authentic structure recognised by the courts and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Speaking during a meeting with journalists and party members in Abia State, the spokesperson of the faction and Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee in the state, Mr. Ikpegbu Emeka-Yellow, declared that the nomination forms being circulated for the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate elections were the “original and authentic PDP forms.”

Emeka-Yellow maintained that recent Supreme Court pronouncements and other judicial rulings had effectively resolved the protracted leadership dispute within the party, stressing that the PDP was now operating under a unified interim national leadership.

According to him, the interim structure is headed by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki alongside other national officers allegedly appointed by the party’s broader leadership organs. He further disclosed that the faction recently held a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on May 4, 2026.

He urged aspirants seeking elective positions on the PDP platform not to be distracted by what he described as “conflicting narratives” surrounding the crisis, insisting that the timetable for the party’s primaries had already commenced.

“The forms are here and screening of aspirants will begin immediately. People should not allow themselves to be confused by the shenanigans going on in the public space,” he stated.

The caretaker committee chairman also alleged that some individuals laying claim to the party leadership had been removed through various court judgments, citing rulings from courts in Benin and Aba which, according to him, invalidated their authority to act on behalf of the PDP.

Emeka-Yellow accused rival groups within the party of operating what he termed a “limited liability company” instead of a legitimate political party, insisting that the faction he represents possesses the recognised INEC certification as well as the backing of the PDP Board of Trustees.

He described Abia State as the epicentre of the PDP leadership tussle, adding that the faction was committed to enlightening party members to prevent them from being misled amid the growing confusion.

The latest development is expected to further intensify the internal wrangling within the PDP in Abia State ahead of the 2026 elections, as rival factions continue their battle for control of the party structure.