The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, paving the way for Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and other southern leaders to vie for the top seat.
The decision was reached at the party’s 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Monday. The NEC also confirmed Umar Damagum as the substantive National Chairman, maintaining the current zoning structure of the National Working Committee (NWC) ahead of the party’s elective national convention in Ibadan on November 15–16, 2025.
PDP Moves to Correct Past Mistakes
Announcing the resolutions, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba said the zoning arrangement was designed to ensure balance and unity within the party.
The communiqué stated:
- All 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 presidential ticket is zoned to the South for 2027.
The NEC also condemned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over alleged intimidation and militarisation of recent bye-elections, accusing the party of pushing Nigeria toward a “one-party state.”
Makinde, Obi, Jonathan in Focus
With the zoning settled, attention has turned to likely aspirants. Insiders confirm that Governor Makinde is strongly positioned, with his aides insisting that he has “paid his dues” and helped keep the PDP alive through turbulent years.
The possibility of Peter Obi’s return to PDP has also gained traction. According to Tanko Yunusa, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Obi will make a decision after the November governorship elections. Meanwhile, other party leaders have hinted that former President Goodluck Jonathan could also join the race.
Reactions Within and Outside the PDP
- Nyesom Wike, Minister of the FCT, said the decision vindicates the stance of the G-5 governors, who opposed Atiku Abubakar’s 2023 candidacy, insisting that zoning rules were violated then.
- Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, PDP chieftain, criticised the move, warning that zoning the presidency to the South could amount to a “default campaign” for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.
- The APC, through its publicity director Bala Ibrahim, dismissed PDP’s chances, insisting Tinubu’s performance will guarantee him victory in 2027 regardless of the opposition candidate.
PDP Governors, BoT Push for Unity
Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, and Adolphus Wabara, BoT Chairman, urged members to prioritise unity, sacrifice, and reconciliation ahead of 2027. They stressed that Nigerians’ expectations for relief and leadership now rest heavily on the PDP.
Meanwhile, PDP chapters such as Bauchi State have declared full support for the zoning decision, promising to back whoever emerges as flagbearer from the primaries.
