The Peoples Democratic Party has set the stage for 2027, zoning its presidential ticket to Nigeria’s South while affirming the North’s hold on the party chairmanship.
The Peoples Democratic Party, during its 102nd National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the southern region, reinforcing its tradition of regional balance. Announced on August 25, 2025, by National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, the decision ensures the national chairmanship remains with a northerner, solidifying the leadership structure ahead of the party’s November convention in Ibadan. The move, led by the zoning committee under Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri, aims to foster unity and position the PDP as a formidable opposition.
The zoning decision excludes northern aspirants like Bauchi’s Bala Mohammed, paving the way for southern contenders such as Oyo’s Seyi Makinde. The NEC also upheld the current distribution of national offices, maintaining regional equity. The PDP accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of undermining democracy, citing alleged militarization in recent bye-elections, and vowed to reclaim power in 2027. The party’s focus on reconciliation, urged by Board of Trustees Chairman Adolphus Wabara, seeks to heal internal rifts.
The announcement has sparked debates about Nigeria’s political landscape, with some praising the PDP’s strategic clarity, while others call for broader consultations to ensure inclusivity. The decision, echoing the party’s rotational justice principle, tests its ability to unify ahead of 2027. As preparations for the Ibadan convention intensify, the PDP’s zoning strategy signals a bold bid to reshape Nigeria’s future, challenging the APC’s dominance.