The Abdulraman Mohammed-led National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has commenced the screening of presidential and governorship aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by the National Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom, on behalf of the National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed.

According to the statement, the screening of governorship aspirants is scheduled for noon on Thursday at the PDP National Secretariat Annex, Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja, while the presidential aspirants’ screening will begin at 2 p.m. at the same venue.

The PDP named former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, as chairman of the presidential screening committee, with Hassan Sokodobo serving as secretary.

Other members of the committee include Alhaji Abba Isawa, Senator George Sekibo, Sodipo Semiu, Mrs Chinelo Chidebelu, Nasiru Mohammed, Senator Zainab Kure and Lindsey Sora.

For the governorship screening committee, the party appointed former Kaduna State Governor, Ahmed Makarfi, as chairman, while George Ariolu will serve as secretary.

Other members include 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.

Meanwhile, the Tanimu Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee of the PDP had on Wednesday extended the deadline for the purchase of nomination and expression of interest forms for the 2027 elections.

In a public notice jointly signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, and the National Organising Secretary, Theophilus Shan, the party extended the purchase of forms for all positions to May 15.

The PDP also extended the deadline for submission of completed forms to May 18, while screening of aspirants is expected to hold on May 19.

According to the interim NWC, the extension followed appeals from stakeholders and aspirants across the country.

The party further stated that aspirants for National and State Assembly positions would be screened in their respective states, while governorship and presidential aspirants would undergo screening in Abuja.

It added that all previously announced activities in the election timetable remain unchanged.