PDP’s 2027 Presidential Ticket: Southern Zone Takes Center Stage

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has made a significant declaration regarding the 2027 presidential elections: the party’s presidential ticket has been officially zoned to the South. This decision, announced during the party’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, marks a return to the principles of the party’s founding fathers and a strategic shift from the open ticket approach of 2023.

In another key development, the party also confirmed a change in venue for its Elective National Convention. Originally planned for Kano, the convention will now take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025. This relocation is being interpreted by many as a move to strengthen the influence of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, potentially creating further ripples in the political landscape and deepening existing rivalries within the party.

During the NEC meeting, which was chaired by Acting National Chairman Ambassador Iliya Damagum, the focus remained on fostering party unity and ensuring readiness for the 2027 general elections. Despite recent defections, confidence in the PDP’s standing was expressed, with observations that many defectors have already begun to return. Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Senator Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, both emphasized the importance of strong leadership and an open-door policy to encourage more returnees.

Debo Ologunagba, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, affirmed the party’s commitment to internal democracy and the resolution of all internal disputes. The strategic choice of Ibadan for the convention is seen as a tactical maneuver to bolster Governor Makinde’s position in internal power dynamics.

While the zoning to the South aims to rebuild trust among southern members after the 2023 elections, it is also noted to have intensified the political tensions between Governor Makinde and Minister Nyesom Wike.
In a move to reinforce party discipline, the NEC has directed the National Working Committee to pursue legal action to reclaim the seats of lawmakers who have defected from the PDP, citing constitutional provisions on automatic forfeiture of seats for defectors. The party also urged members engaged in activities with rival political parties to return, reiterating that dual party membership is prohibited by law. To ensure a smooth and transparent convention, the NEC approved the membership of both the National Convention Committee and the Convention Zoning Committee. The next NEC meeting is scheduled for August 25, 2025.

What are your thoughts on these significant decisions by the PDP? How do you foresee these developments impacting the party’s internal dynamics and the broader Nigerian political scene as we approach 2027? Share your insights and perspectives.

Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/07/2027-pdp-zones-presidency-to-south-2/