The decision was reached at the party’s 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Monday in Abuja, where Umar Damagum was also confirmed as substantive National Chairman.
Key Highlights from the NEC Meeting:
PDP presidential ticket for 2027 zoned to the South.
National Chairman position retained in the North.
Existing National Working Committee zoning formula upheld.
NEC commended PDP governors, BoT, and caucuses for preparations ahead of the November 15–16, 2025 elective convention in Ibadan.
NEC condemned APC’s alleged “state capture, intimidation, and militarisation” during recent bye-elections.
Makinde’s Chances:
Makinde’s aides say he is in a strong position to win the ticket, having “paid his dues” and played a key role in keeping the PDP alive during post-2023 crises.
Peter Obi Factor:
Obidient Movement coordinator, Tanko Yunusa, disclosed that Obi is “still consulting” and would decide his next political step after the November governorship election. Meetings between Obi and PDP leaders, including Atiku Abubakar and PDP governors, have fuelled speculations of a comeback.
Reactions:
APC’s Bala Ibrahim dismissed the zoning, insisting PDP is headed for defeat in 2027 regardless of its candidate, arguing Tinubu’s “performance and national outlook” will secure re-election.
Nyesom Wike said the zoning vindicated the G-5 governors’ earlier stance that cost the PDP unity in 2023.
Bauchi PDP endorsed the zoning decision, pledging loyalty to whoever emerges from the primaries.
Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, however, faulted the zoning move, describing it as “a backdoor campaign for Tinubu’s second term.”
What This Means:
With the zoning settled, the battle within the PDP shifts to which southern figure- Makinde, Obi, Jonathan, or another heavyweight can emerge as consensus candidate to face President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
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