The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned its 2027 presidential candidacy to the Southern Region while retaining all national office positions currently held in the Northern Region, including the National Chairman. The decision was announced at the 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on August 25, 2025.
According to the communique issued by National Publicity Secretary Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the NEC approved the National Convention Zoning Committee’s recommendations to maintain the existing regional distribution of PDP national offices. Positions currently in the North, such as the National Chairman, will remain there, while the presidential ticket for the 2027 general election is zoned to the South. The regions are now directed to micro-zone positions within their respective areas.
“NEC’s decision to zone the presidential candidacy to the South ensures balanced representation as we prepare for 2027,” said Acting National Chairman Amb. Iliya Umar Damagum, whose appointment as substantive National Chairman was ratified until the National Convention in Ibadan on November 15-16, 2025.
The NEC also expressed satisfaction with the party’s preparations for the 2025 National Convention in Ibadan, commending the efforts of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Board of Trustees, National Working Committee, and National Assembly Caucus. Additionally, the NEC reviewed updates from the PDP Constitution Amendment Committee and directed further circulation of the draft amendments for input from party organs.
The communique condemned the All Progressives Congress (APC) for alleged state-backed intimidation and militarization during recent bye-elections in Kaduna, Taraba, and Zamfara states, describing such actions as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy. The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to defending citizens’ interests and repositioning the party to regain power in 2027.