Political engines are already revving up for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections | UPDATE

 

NIGERIA’S 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS | ACTIVITIES STIRRING MOMENTUM

The political engines are revving up for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, and the unveiling activities are already stirring momentum across party lines.

Here’s what’s unfolding:

PDP’s Zoning Formula & Convention Plans

• The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is set to unveil its zoning formula on August 25, 2025, a key step in determining which regions will produce candidates for major offices.
• The zoning committee, led by Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri, is meeting in Abuja to finalize proposals.
• A full schedule of activities runs from August to December 2025, culminating in the national convention on November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
• Speculations are swirling about potential contenders like former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Seyi Makinde, and Governor Bala Mohammed possibly entering the race.

By-Elections as a Political Litmus Test

• 16 constituencies across 12 states are holding crucial by-elections, seen as a preview of the 2027 electoral battleground.
• Tensions are high, with parties like ADC-SDP accusing APC of election sabotage in Kaduna State, while INEC deploys over 30,000 ad-hoc staff to manage the process.

Key Dates to Watch

• Election Day is expected in February 2027, though exact dates are yet to be confirmed.
• Voter registration deadlines will likely fall in mid-to-late 2026, followed by candidate declarations and campaign periods.

PDP’s Zoning Formula & Convention Plans

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is gearing up for a major strategic reset:

• Zoning Formula Unveiling – August 25, 2025: The PDP will reveal how it plans to allocate key positions across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. This includes whether the presidential ticket will go to the South, a move many party leaders are advocating to promote equity.
• Zoning Committee Leadership: Chaired by Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri, the 44-member panel is tasked with ensuring fairness and inclusivity in the distribution of party offices.
• Convention Timeline: The party’s activities span August to December 2025, culminating in a National Elective Convention on November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, the first time the PDP will hold such a convention in the South-West.
• Potential Presidential Contenders: Names like Goodluck Jonathan, Seyi Makinde, and Bala Mohammed are circulating as possible candidates. Jonathan’s eligibility is being debated due to constitutional amendments, while Makinde and Mohammed are seen as strong internal options.

By-Elections as a Political Litmus Test

The August 16, 2025 by-elections are a preview of the 2027 electoral terrain:

• Scope: Held in 16 constituencies across 13 states, including Anambra, Edo, Kaduna, Ogun, Oyo, Kogi, Kano, Taraba, Niger, Zamfara, and more.
• Vacancies: These arose due to deaths, resignations, or court-ordered reruns. For example, the Anambra South Senate seat became vacant after Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s passing.
• Security & Logistics: Over 30,000 ad-hoc staff and 20,850 NSCDC personnel were deployed. INEC used BVAS technology for voter accreditation, though some glitches were reported.
• Political Tensions: Allegations of sabotage and voter inducement surfaced, especially in Kaduna and Zamfara, where APC was accused of disrupting the process.

Key Dates to Watch

Here’s your roadmap to 2027:

Milestone	Expected Timeline
Zoning Formula Announcement	August 25, 2025
PDP National Convention	November 15–16, 2025
Voter Registration Deadline	Mid-to-late 2026
Candidate Declarations	Late 2026
Campaign Period Begins	Late 2026 to early 2027
Election Day	February 20 & March 6, 202713

INEC has pre-scheduled these dates to ensure long-term planning and transparency.