The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially zoned its presidential ticket for the 2027 elections to the Southern region of Nigeria.
This strategic decision was made during the party’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, and comes with potential implications for the party’s internal power dynamics especially between the camps of Governor Seyi Makinde and Minister Nyesom Wike.
Alongside this zoning decision, the NEC also moved the venue of its Elective National Convention from Kano to Ibadan, Oyo State, a move widely interpreted as a boost to Governor Makinde’s rising influence within the party.
The NEC’s decision to zone the presidency to the South is a reversal of the 2023 open-ticket policy, and is seen as aligning with Makinde’s possible presidential ambition.
A PDP NEC member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “The mood in the hall was largely in favour of unity and strategic balance. After carefully weighing the options, we agreed to adopt the founding fathers’ recommendation to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South. This is meant to rebuild trust among our southern members after the 2023 fallout.”
“At the same time, we retained the existing zoning formula for national offices to prevent further conflict. It was a delicate compromise, but one we believe will help reposition the PDP ahead of the next election.” the source added.
During a closed-door session, the NEC approved a new timetable for the Elective National Convention, now scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, explained:
“The NEC expressed satisfaction over the resolution of all disputes within the party. This again shows the patriotic nature of our members and the PDP’s tradition of dialogue and mutual understanding for the good of the party and the nation.”
Some insiders interpret the venue switch as a tactical move to strengthen Governor Makinde’s influence, especially as tensions escalate between his camp and that of former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.
While once allies, Wike and Makinde have now become political adversaries. Wike has accused Makinde of breaching internal agreements and allegedly working to weaken the PDP from within.
In retaliation, Makinde’s supporters accuse Wike of plotting to destabilize the PDP to benefit the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of 2027.
The PDP NEC took a firm stance on defections, directing the National Working Committee (NWC) to initiate legal processes to reclaim the seats of defected lawmakers, both at federal and state levels.
Quoting the Nigerian Constitution, the NEC stated “By virtue of the self-executory provision of Sections 68 (1) (g) and 109 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), such defectors have irredeemably lost their seats.”
Additionally, the NEC warned members dabbling in activities of rival parties, urging them to return to the PDP and remain loyal.
“NEC calls on these members to reconsider their actions and show loyalty and commitment to the PDP. The law does not allow membership of two political parties at the same time,” said Ologunagba.
To ensure transparency, the NEC also approved the membership of the National Convention Committee and the Convention Zoning Committee, and adjourned with the 102nd NEC meeting scheduled for August 25, 2025.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara, emphasized the importance of the upcoming convention in reviving the party.
Represented by Senator Ahmed Makarfi, Wabara noted: “The Board of Trustees has always supported all organs of the party, especially the governors, in promoting unity and building consensus to move the party forward.”
He also addressed the skeptics who doubted the NEC meeting would take place:
“This is a very important meeting that many believed would never happen. But here we are, meeting legally and constitutionally. The decisions we take today will send a strong message to those who are still sceptical.”
Ambassador Iliya Damagum, the party’s acting National Chairman, celebrated the return of many members who had defected to a rival coalition.
“Many who jumped on the coalition bandwagon have already returned to our fold. Some even claim they never left and merely attended a meeting. We accept their confessions without prejudice.”
He further praised party officials for their resilience:
“I commend our state chairmen, governors, and legislators for their unwavering loyalty.”
Senator Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, said the party is willing to accept back defectors, but urged them to return soon.
“We sympathise with those who became impatient and left, but certainly, they will come to understand. We are keeping the door open for them to return, within a reasonable timeframe.”
He added: “We are working quietly behind the scenes with the NWC, the Board of Trustees (BoT), our lawmakers in the National Assembly, and party chapters across the six geopolitical zones, to ensure we remain united.”
Mohammed concluded with a stern reminder about discipline:
“Acts of indiscipline were the root of many of our past troubles. That cannot be allowed to continue.”
