PDP Zones 2027 Presidency to South, Confirms Damagum as Chairman

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, clearing the way for southern contenders such as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex–Labour Party candidate Peter Obi to challenge President Bola Tinubu.

The decision was taken on Monday at the party’s 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja. The NEC also ratified the current zoning formula for the November elective convention in Ibadan and confirmed Umar Damagum as substantive National Chairman, effective August 25, 2025.

Zoning Formula and Context

The 44-member zoning committee led by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri recommended that all national offices remain in their current regions: northern-held positions in the North and southern-held positions in the South. With the chairmanship retained in the North, the presidential ticket was therefore zoned to the South.

PDP Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, presenting the communiqué, said the NEC also endorsed preparations for the November 15–16 convention and directed regions to micro-zone positions internally. He added that NEC condemned the APC’s “militarisation and manipulation” of recent bye-elections in Kaduna, Taraba, and Zamfara, warning of threats to democracy.

Zoning has long been a contentious issue within the PDP. Disputes over Jonathan’s re-election in 2015 and Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy in 2023 led to divisions, defections, and electoral defeats. Monday’s decision was seen as an attempt to correct past mistakes and stabilise the party ahead of 2027.

Party Leaders React

In his remarks, Damagum praised the PDP’s resilience and urged unity, saying Nigerians look to the party as the only credible alternative to the APC. Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, chair of the PDP Governors’ Forum, confirmed that lingering disputes within the NWC had been resolved.

Board of Trustees Chairman Adolphus Wabara, represented by Senator Ahmed Makarfi, stressed that the party’s success in 2027 depended on unity, sacrifice, and reconciliation, urging members to put aside grievances and rally for victory.

Former Rivers State Governor and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said the zoning decision vindicated the G-5 governors who opposed Atiku and Iyorchia Ayu in 2022, warning then that the chairmanship and presidential ticket could not remain in the North.

Obi, Makinde, and Other Contenders

Attention has now shifted to potential southern aspirants. Loyalists of Peter Obi said he would need more time before making a decision on his political future. Obidient Movement coordinator Tanko Yunusa explained that Obi’s immediate focus was protecting Labour Party candidates in upcoming governorship polls, after which he would decide whether to rejoin the PDP.

Governor Makinde’s allies, including Special Adviser Dare Adeleke, argued that he is in “pole position” for the ticket, crediting him with rallying PDP governors and preventing the party’s collapse.

Others, however, remain cautious. PDP chieftain Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim criticised the zoning move as “a default campaign for Tinubu,” suggesting some southern PDP figures would ultimately work for the APC incumbent’s re-election.

APC’s Position

The ruling APC dismissed the PDP’s new strategy. Its Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, said zoning would not affect the outcome, insisting that Tinubu’s policies resonate nationwide and guarantee him victory in 2027.

“The PDP can zone the ticket anywhere. President Tinubu is a national leader whose competence and performance will ensure re-election,” Ibrahim said.

Looking Ahead

Despite skepticism, PDP leaders in Bauchi and other states have pledged loyalty to whoever emerges from the primaries, saying the zoning decision promotes unity.

With the presidential ticket now settled in the South and Damagum firmly in charge, the PDP enters convention season seeking to rebuild credibility and present a united front. Whether this new alignment will be enough to challenge an incumbent APC remains the central question as Nigeria’s 2027 race takes shape.