The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a move seen as part of efforts to strengthen unity and reposition the party ahead of the next general elections.
The decision was taken on Monday at the 102nd meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party held in Abuja.
As part of the resolutions, the NEC also confirmed Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, who had been serving in an acting capacity since March 2023, as the substantive National Chairman of the party.
Announcing the outcome of the meeting, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the zoning arrangement would ensure fairness, balance, and inclusivity within the party. According to him, all National Working Committee (NWC) positions currently held by the North will remain in the North, while those in the South will also remain in the South.
He added that the various geopolitical zones have been directed to undertake micro-zoning of positions to allow for smooth leadership transitions ahead of the party’s national convention.
The NEC also approved that the party’s elective national convention will hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025, instead of the earlier proposed Kano venue.
Party leaders believe zoning the presidential ticket to the South will not only heal old wounds but also rebuild trust among members, especially following the controversies that trailed the 2023 elections.
The PDP now looks set to commence preparations for its convention, where it is expected that presidential aspirants from the South will formally declare their intentions to contest on the party’s platform.
