PDP 2027 presidential ticket set for Southern Region amid NEC approval of zoning, party reforms, and preparations for the 2025 National Convention.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially decided to zone its presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections to the Southern region of Nigeria.
This was among the key resolutions reached at the party’s 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Monday.
While affirming this Southern zoning for the presidential ticket, the NEC also confirmed that the existing zoning arrangements for the National Working Committee (NWC) positions would remain unchanged.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, told journalists after the meeting that the decision followed a detailed report presented by the party’s Zoning Committee, chaired by Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri.
According to him, the NEC engaged in extensive deliberations before approving the committee’s recommendations.
The decision reflects the PDP’s continued commitment to ensuring equitable power-sharing across Nigeria’s regions.
The NEC communiqué clarified that all national office positions currently occupied by members from the Northern Region would remain in the North, while positions held by members from the Southern Region would remain in the South.
However, with the National Chairman’s position already secured in the North, the party’s presidential ticket for 2027 is officially zoned to the Southern Region.
NEC also directed both regions to proceed immediately with micro-zoning arrangements within their respective territories to implement this decision effectively.
The zoning decision comes against the backdrop of the 2023 general elections, where the PDP left its presidential ticket open, ultimately leading to the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s candidate.
However, Atiku’s candidacy faced resistance from several Southern leaders, including then Rivers State Governor, now Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, who argued that the arrangement disadvantaged the South.
The opposition within the South highlighted long-standing regional sensitivities in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Despite these challenges, Atiku Abubakar ran as the PDP candidate but was defeated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In addition to zoning, the NEC reviewed the party’s preparedness for the 2025 Elective National Convention, which is slated to take place in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, from Saturday, November 15 to Sunday, November 16, 2025.
Ologunagba emphasized that the NEC expressed satisfaction with the readiness of PDP chapters, structures, and other party organs to ensure a successful convention.
The meeting also recognized the tireless efforts of PDP governors, the Board of Trustees, the NWC, the National Assembly caucus, and other stakeholders in ensuring that the party is well-positioned ahead of the convention.
The NEC further received updates from the PDP Constitution Amendment Committee.
The committee was instructed to circulate the draft amendment to all party organs and chapters for their review and contributions.
This step highlights the PDP’s commitment to transparency, internal democracy, and inclusive decision-making within its ranks.
In a move to consolidate party leadership, NEC confirmed Umar Damagum as the substantive National Chairman of the PDP, effective Monday, August 25, 2025.
Ologunagba described Damagum’s confirmation as recognition of his stabilizing influence within the party, particularly in the lead-up to the National Convention, where strong and consistent leadership is essential.
Beyond internal matters, the NEC took a firm stance against what it described as the ruling APC’s use of state power to undermine democracy.
Ologunagba condemned the alleged state-backed intimidation, coercion, and manipulation during recent bye-elections, citing incidents in Kaduna, Taraba, and Zamfara states.
He highlighted the militarization of electoral processes, including the deployment of excessive security personnel in a limited number of polling units in Kaura Namoda South State Constituency in Zamfara, as a direct affront to free and fair elections.
“The NEC views these actions as a deliberate attempt by the APC to transform Nigeria into a totalitarian one-party state, which poses a serious threat to democracy and the nation’s unity,” Ologunagba said.
The NEC reassured Nigerians of the PDP’s unwavering commitment to democratic values and the protection of citizens’ rights and interests.
The party reiterated its determination to reposition itself politically and work toward regaining power in 2027.
The resolutions passed at the 102nd NEC meeting not only reinforce internal cohesion but also reflect PDP’s strategic roadmap for the upcoming elections and its ongoing dedication to Nigeria’s democratic process.