ABUJA — In a major political recalibration ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially zoned its presidential ticket to the South, while retaining the national chairmanship in the North.
The decision, reached after a series of high-stakes meetings of the National Executive Committee (NEC), governors, and other key stakeholders, is seen as a corrective measure to the party’s controversial 2023 strategy, when both the national chairman and presidential candidate emerged from the North — a move many blame for PDP’s defeat at the polls.
Confirming the development, PDP NEC ratified Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagum as substantive national chairman until December 2025, praising his role in stabilising the party since assuming the position in acting capacity.
Reading the communiqué, National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, announced:
“Having retained the position of national chairman in the North, the presidential candidate of the party for the 2027 general election is hereby zoned to the Southern region.”
The NEC also approved zoning arrangements that keep all party offices in their current regions and directed immediate micro-zoning by state and regional chapters.
Heated Sessions, Shouting Matches
The road to the decision was far from smooth. Tempers flared during deliberations, with reports that National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, initially refused to sign the letter inviting INEC to monitor the PDP national convention slated for November in Ibadan.
The party had been sharply divided between camps loyal to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who was notably absent from the NEC.
However, PDP governors later assured that all official communications with INEC had been duly signed, ending speculation of fresh internal sabotage.
PDP Elders Preach Unity, Warn Against Rhetoric
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, urged unity, sacrifice, and inclusivity, warning that rhetoric alone cannot win the 2027 elections. His message, delivered by former Kaduna governor, Ahmed Makarfi, stressed:
“The 2027 elections will not be won by speeches but by a united front and collective action.”
Wabara described the forthcoming Ibadan convention as a “defining moment” for the PDP, calling on party elders to reconcile differences and welcome back estranged members.
NEC Slams APC Over “Militarisation” of Elections
In its communiqué, the NEC also condemned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for alleged intimidation, manipulation, and militarisation during recent bye-elections in Kaduna, Taraba, and Zamfara states.
The PDP accused the APC of plotting to turn Nigeria into a “totalitarian one-party state” and vowed to resist any anti-democratic practices.
The PDP national convention is scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, with preparations now in full swing. The next NEC meeting will hold on October 15, 2025, where further decisions on constitutional amendments and zoning will be ratified.
As the opposition positions itself for 2027, the question remains whether the South’s zoning advantage will be enough to heal old wounds — or if Wike’s warning of “too little, too late” will prove prophetic.
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