By: Manoah Kikekon
 |
| PDP Logo |
In a major strategic decision, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially zoned its presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections to the Southern region of Nigeria. This pivotal resolution was reached during the party's 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Monday.
The announcement was made by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, following the presentation of a report from the party's Zoning Committee, led by Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri. This move marks a significant shift from the 2023 election cycle, where the party's presidential ticket was left open, resulting in former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the North emerging as the candidate.
This zoning arrangement is widely seen as an effort to foster unity and address internal grievances. The 2023 candidacy was heavily contested by Southern leaders within the PDP, notably former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, who argued that the South deserved a turn at the presidency based on the party's power-sharing principles.
Alongside zoning the presidency to the South, the NEC also voted to retain the current zoning formula for the party's National Working Committee (NWC) positions ahead of its November 2025 elective convention. This means all existing national offices held by Northern members will remain in the North, and those in the South will stay in the South.
The NEC expressed strong confidence in the preparedness of the party's various chapters and structures for the upcoming national convention, scheduled for Ibadan, Oyo State, in November 2025. The committee also confirmed Umar Damagum as the substantive National Chairman, citing his role in stabilizing the party.
In a strongly-worded communiqué, the PDP NEC condemned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for what it described as "state-backed intimidation" and the "militarization" of recent bye-elections, warning that these actions pose a "clear and present danger to democracy" in Nigeria.
The PDP reassured Nigerians of its commitment to reclaiming power in 2027 and defending the nation's democratic integrity. The next step requires the Southern region to micro-zone the presidential candidacy among its states before the election.