PDP zones 2027 presidential ticket to South, retains Northern leadership role

By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja-

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned its 2027 presidential candidacy to the Southern Region while retaining all national office positions currently held in the Northern Region, including the National Chairman.

The party made the resolve at its 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Monday, August 25, 2025.

According to the communique issued by National Publicity Secretary Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the NEC, after extensive deliberations, approved the recommendations of the National Convention Zoning Committee.

The committee resolved that all PDP national office positions currently in the Northern Region, including the National Chairman, remain in the North, while positions in the Southern Region stay in the South. Consequently, with the National Chairman position retained in the North, the party’s presidential candidacy for the 2027 general election is zoned to the Southern Region.

The NEC directed both regions to immediately commence micro-zoning of positions within their respective domains for implementation.

“The zoning of the presidential ticket to the South, while retaining key leadership roles in the North, reflects our commitment to equity and unity as we prepare for the 2027 elections,” said Acting National Chairman Amb. Iliya Umar Damagum.

The NEC ratified and confirmed Damagum’s appointment as the substantive National Chairman, effective August 25, 2025, until the party’s National Convention scheduled for November 15-16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The NEC expressed satisfaction with the party’s level of preparedness for the 2025 Elective National Convention, acknowledging the efforts of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Board of Trustees (BoT), National Working Committee (NWC), and National Assembly Caucus in ensuring its success.

The communique highlighted the NWC’s role, under Damagum’s leadership, in stabilizing the party, which informed the decision to confirm his chairmanship.

Additionally, the NEC received an update from the PDP Constitution Amendment Committee and directed the committee to circulate the Draft Constitution Amendment to various party organs and chapters for further input, ensuring a participatory approach to refining the party’s framework.

The NEC also addressed national concerns, condemning the All Progressives Congress (APC) for what it described as “state capture” through intimidation, manipulation, inducement, coercion, and violence in recent bye-elections in Kaduna, Taraba, and Zamfara states.

The communique specifically criticized the excessive deployment of security agencies during a run-off election in only five polling units in Kaura Namoda South State Constituency, Zamfara State, calling it a confirmation of the APC’s intent to transform Nigeria into a “totalitarian one-party state.”

The PDP declared this a “clear and present danger” to Nigeria’s democracy and corporate existence.

Reaffirming its commitment, the NEC stated, “The PDP remains dedicated to defending the interest and wellbeing of all Nigerians while repositioning our party to regain power in 2027.”

The committee adjourned and scheduled its 103rd meeting for Wednesday, October 15, 2025.