In its preparation to west power from the All Progressives Congress (APC), the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) zones its 2027 presidential slot to the Southern part of the country
Apparently regretting its zoning mistake in 2023, when it threw its presidential ticket open, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has zoned its 2027 ticket to the Southern part of the country.
This is in tandem with the decision of founding fathers of the party in Abuja on Wednesday, July 24, 2025.
The PDP also announced that its Elective National Convention would take place in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital instead of Kano, a decision that may deepen the rift between the camps of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
The PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) also adopted the recommendation to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South, an outcome viewed as aligning with Makinde’s potential presidential ambition.
The decision was confirmed during the party’s 101st NEC meeting held in Abuja.
The move is seen as a strategic effort to boost Makinde’s influence in the party, possibly to the disadvantage of Wike and his loyalists.
The NEC meeting, chaired by acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, brought together top PDP leaders to tackle key issues affecting party unity and electoral readiness ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This came as Damagum boasted of PDP’s fortunes despite recent defections to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying that many of the defectors had returned to the party.
In his opinion, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara, said that many defectors would return to the party if it delivered strong and inspiring leadership at its upcoming national convention.
Also, Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Governor of Bauch State, Senator Bala Mohammed, said the party was ready to welcome the defectors back to its fold.
At a closed-door meeting, the NEC approved the timetable for the Elective National Convention, which would take place on November 15 and 16, 2025 in Ibadan, instead of Kano, next month.
Speaking after the meeting, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the party remained committed to unity and internal democracy.
“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,” he said.
