PDP Initiates Zoning Process For 2027 Presidential Ticket To Foster Unity.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has launched the zoning process for its 2027 presidential ticket, a strategic move aimed at promoting unity and equity within the party ahead of the next general elections. The decision was announced on Monday, 25 August 2025, during the party’s 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at its national headquarters in Abuja, following deliberations by the zoning committee chaired by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri.
Governor Diri revealed that the decision to zone the presidential ticket was finalised at a PDP Governors’ Forum meeting in Gusau, Zamfara State, on 23 August 2025, attended by representatives from the Board of Trustees, former governors, ministers, and other key party organs. “One of the decisions reached was that we should not only zone party offices but also the presidency,” Diri stated, noting that the committee’s mandate, as per the PDP constitution, includes zoning both national offices and the presidential ticket. The NEC, the party’s highest decision-making body, ratified the zoning committee’s recommendations, confirming that the presidential ticket will be zoned to the southern region, while the national chairmanship remains in the north.
PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, addressing journalists after the NEC meeting, explained that the zoning decision aligns with the party’s tradition of rotating power between Nigeria’s northern and southern regions to ensure inclusivity. “Since the National Chairman is from the north, the 2027 presidential ticket is hereby zoned to the south,” Ologunagba said, adding that the existing National Working Committee (NWC) zoning formula will be retained for the party’s elective convention scheduled for 15–16 November 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State. The NEC also confirmed Ambassador Umar Damagum as the substantive National Chairman, recognising his efforts in stabilising the party since taking over as acting chairman.
The zoning decision has sparked varied reactions within the PDP. Southern leaders, who have long advocated for greater representation, view it as a victory for equity, particularly after the 2023 election when the PDP’s open ticket policy led to northern candidate Atiku Abubakar’s nomination, causing friction with southern stakeholders like former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike. However, some northern leaders, including former presidential aspirant Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, have criticised the move as a “big error,” arguing it could weaken the PDP’s electoral prospects and potentially violates Nigeria’s constitution by limiting candidate eligibility based on region. Olawepo-Hashim, speaking on Channels Television, claimed the decision inadvertently bolsters President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The zoning committee, comprising 44 members, was initially tasked on 14 August 2025 with distributing the 19 NWC positions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. However, its expanded mandate to zone the presidential ticket has reignited debates about regional balance. Southern aspirants, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and former President Goodluck Jonathan, are now speculated as potential contenders, though neither has publicly declared their interest. The decision effectively rules out northern hopefuls like Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, prompting some party members to call for broader consultations to avoid further divisions.
Ologunagba emphasised the PDP’s commitment to democracy and national well-being, stating that the zoning move aims to strengthen internal cohesion and reposition the party to reclaim power in 2027. The NEC also expressed concerns about recent bye-elections, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of state-backed intimidation and vote-buying, which it described as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
As the PDP prepares for its November convention, the zoning decision sets the stage for a competitive primary in the south, with party insiders anticipating a fierce contest among prominent figures from the South-South, South-East, and South-West zones. The party’s next NEC meeting, scheduled for 15 October 2025, will further refine preparations for the convention and address ongoing constitutional amendments to ensure a smooth electoral process.
