The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a decision seen as a major boost for aspirants such as Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and ex-Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi.
The decision was taken at the party’s 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Monday, August 25, 2025, in Abuja.
Zoning Decision and Convention Preparations
Addressing journalists after the meeting, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, explained that the resolution followed the adoption of the report of the Zoning Committee, chaired by Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri.
The NEC upheld the current National Working Committee (NWC) zoning formula, confirming that all party offices currently held in the North will remain in the North, while those in the South will remain in the South.
He added that since the National Chairman’s position is zoned to the North, the 2027 presidential ticket is reserved for the South.
The NEC also confirmed Umar Damagum as the substantive National Chairman effective August 25, 2025, citing his role in stabilising the party. Preparations were also reviewed for the party’s Elective National Convention, scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15–16, 2025.
The communique commended PDP governors, the Board of Trustees, the NWC, the National Assembly caucus, and other party organs for their efforts toward ensuring a successful convention.
NEC Condemns APC Over Bye-Elections
The NEC also took aim at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), condemning what it described as “state-backed intimidation, manipulation, inducement, coercion, and violence” in recent bye-elections.
It particularly criticised the militarisation of polls in Kaduna, Taraba, and Zamfara States, where excessive security presence was reported even in run-off elections for just five polling units.
The communique warned that such actions confirm the APC’s desire to impose a “totalitarian one-party state,” which it described as a “clear and present danger” to Nigeria’s democracy.
Aspirants and Political Maneuvering
Although Governor Makinde has not formally declared his interest, banners reading “Makinde for President” were spotted at the Wadata Plaza headquarters of the PDP during Monday’s meeting. Another group displayed banners urging former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest in 2027.
Meanwhile, speculation is growing over a possible return of Peter Obi to the PDP. Obi, the party’s vice-presidential candidate in 2019, is currently with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s flag-bearer in the 2019 and 2023 polls.
Leaders such as Prof Jerry Gana and PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, have openly called for Obi’s return to the fold. Obi himself has been holding strategic meetings with Atiku and other PDP leaders in recent weeks.
According to Tanko Yunusa, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Obi will take time to assess the political dynamics after the November 8 governorship election, where he is backing candidates under the Labour Party.
Tanko said:
“That (possible return to PDP) will be a discussion that will be done at the appropriate time. Like he has said before, he has to protect the candidature of his people who are running for elections in November. He has room to study the situation until then, before he makes his move.”
APC Reacts: “Tinubu Will Defeat PDP Again”
Reacting to the PDP’s zoning decision, APC’s Director of Publicity, Ibrahim, dismissed it as inconsequential, insisting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will secure re-election in 2027 regardless of the opposition’s choice of candidate.
He said:
“The issue is not zoning to the South. They can zone the ticket to any part of the world. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not a President of the South, nor is he a President of the North, the East, or the West. He is the President of Nigeria.
And the APC is a party that is national in outlook, national in character, and national in service. So, it is not a question of section or region where the ticket is zoned. It is a question of competence.
And President Tinubu is going to contest again by the grace of God. And if he does so, regardless of where the PDP zones the ticket, the APC is going to beat them hands down.”
With the PDP’s ticket now formally zoned to the South, the stage is set for a fierce contest that could pit Tinubu against strong southern challengers such as Makinde, Jonathan, or a returning Obi.
