The opposition Peoples Democratic Party has denied allegations that it is preventing any aspirant from purchasing nomination forms for the office of the President ahead of its internal party process.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the party’s Interim National Working Committee said it was unaware of any action by party officials aimed at stopping any interested aspirant from obtaining the nomination forms.
The party explained that it had recently extended its timetable following appeals from members to allow more aspirants enough time to purchase and complete the required forms.
According to the statement, the amended schedule fixed Friday, May 22, 2026, as the deadline for the purchase and submission of completed nomination forms, while special screening for aspirants yet to be screened will take place on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
The party also addressed concerns over its earlier zoning arrangement for the presidential ticket, noting that although the National Executive Committee had previously reserved the position for aspirants from Southern Nigeria, constitutional provisions guaranteeing the right to contest remain valid.
“The National Executive Committee of our party had long ago zoned the Presidential ticket to aspirants from the southern part of Nigeria,” the statement read.
It added, “The right to aspire is a constitutional provision which cannot be circumscribed by directional agreements like zoning.”
The PDP urged members of the public to disregard reports suggesting that aspirants were being denied access to nomination forms.
“We reiterate that our forms are still available within the period provided for in the amended timetable and all Nigerians seeking to genuinely contest on our platform are free to obtain, fill and return their forms,” the statement added.
The statement was signed by Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary of the Interim National Working Committee.
