The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned its 2027 presidential nomination to the South and will retain the national chairmanship in the North. Analysts view this decision as a strategic move to achieve regional balance ahead of the upcoming general election. The decision followed the recommendation of the National Zoning Committee, chaired by Bayelsa State
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned its 2027 presidential nomination to the South and will retain the national chairmanship in the North. Analysts view this decision as a strategic move to achieve regional balance ahead of the upcoming general election.
The decision followed the recommendation of the National Zoning Committee, chaired by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri.
The decision was approved at the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, where members also confirmed Umar Damagum as the National Chairman. Damagum, who had been acting as chairman since March 2023 after the suspension of Senator Iyorchia Ayu, now holds the position permanently.
Briefing journalists at the end of the NEC meeting, Mr Debo Ologunagba, its National Publicity Secretary, said, “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South while affirming that its national chairmanship will remain in the North.”
It remains uncertain whether this decision will satisfy party members like the G-5 Governors led by Mr Nyesom Wike, who made similar demands before the 2023 elections. Zoning has consistently been a contentious issue within the PDP, which rotates power between North and South.
Before the 2023 elections, the party nominated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from Adamawa State (North-East) as its candidate, leading to internal disputes, anti-party activities and outright defections.
The issue has resurfaced within the party ahead of the 2027 election, possibly prompting its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to resign and join the ADC coalition.
This decision presents a challenge for Nyesom Wike, former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who insists that the party must zone its presidential ticket to the south according to its principles.
Attention is now focused on him following the Party’s acceptance of his request. Mr Wike previously expressed support for President Tinubu in advance of the 2027 elections, citing regional affiliation as a reason.
Strategic Calculations Ahead of 2027
By zoning the 2027 ticket to the South, the PDP appears to be addressing what many internal stakeholders have referred to as a “strategic error” made in 2023. Political analysts observe that this decision counters a key argument from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which previously criticised the PDP for not adhering to its established power-sharing tradition.
The decision is consistent with previous cautions expressed by Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who stated that nominating another northern candidate to oppose Tinubu, a southern incumbent, would be politically disadvantageous.
Though the PDP has yet to reveal its flagbearer, focus is turning to prominent southern leaders as possible contenders. This could allow governors and senior party members from the South-South and South-East to present themselves as viable alternatives to the APC.
It is being speculated that former President Goodluck Jonathan and Mr Peter Obi are among the politicians being considered as the Party’s candidate.
Balancing Leadership and Unity
Confirming Damagum as National Chairman highlights the PDP’s aim to stabilise leadership and promote unity. Keeping the chairmanship in the North preserves the party’s North-South balance, strengthening its national appeal.
There are ongoing discussions about whether the zoning decision will sufficiently address previous issues. Some party members suggest that in addition to zoning, the PDP should focus on internal democracy, restoring trust among former members, and resolving divisions to effectively compete in 2027.
