The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the Southern part of Nigeria. This decision was reached on Monday at the 102nd meeting of its National Executive Committee (NEC).
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the NEC explained that since the office of the National Chairman remains in the North, the presidential candidate of the party in the 2027 general election must come from the South.
The communiqué, signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated:
All PDP national offices currently held by Northerners will remain in the North. All offices held by Southerners will remain in the South. With the chairmanship retained in the North, the 2027 presidential ticket is zoned to the South.
The NEC further directed the two regions to micro-zone positions within their zones for effective implementation.
Meanwhile, the NEC ratified the appointment of Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagum as substantive National Chairman of the PDP. It commended his leadership role in stabilising the party during challenging times.
“NEC hereby ratifies and confirms the appointment of Amb. Iliya Umar Damagum as substantive National Chairman with effect from Monday, 25th August, 2025, until the National Convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, on 15th–16th November, 2025,” the communiqué read.
The party leadership also expressed satisfaction with ongoing preparations for the Ibadan convention, acknowledging the support of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Board of Trustees (BoT), National Assembly Caucus and other organs of the party.
On national matters, the PDP NEC criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the ruling party of drifting towards authoritarianism.
It condemned alleged intimidation, inducement, coercion and violence during recent bye-elections, citing what it described as “militarisation of polls” in Kaduna, Taraba and Zamfara States.
The NEC warned that such developments were a clear sign of the APC’s intention to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, which it described as dangerous to democracy and national unity.
Reaffirming its commitment to Nigerians, the PDP assured that it would continue to defend democratic values and reposition the party for victory in the 2027 elections.
