The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has decided to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a departure from its 2023 approach when the ticket was opened to all regions.
This decision follows recommendations by the party’s founding fathers and was officially ratified during the PDP’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja.
Additionally, the party announced that its Elective National Convention will now take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, instead of the originally planned venue in Kano. This shift is expected to heighten tensions between the camps of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. Insiders view the move as a strategic attempt to bolster Makinde’s influence, potentially at the expense of Wike and his loyalists.
Chaired by acting National Chairman Ambassador Iliya Damagum, the NEC meeting convened key PDP leaders to tackle pressing issues regarding party unity and preparation for the 2027 elections. Damagum noted that despite recent defections to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), several defectors have since returned to the PDP.
Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), expressed confidence that strong leadership at the upcoming convention would encourage more defectors to come back. Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, who leads the PDP Governors Forum, also welcomed the return of former members.
In a closed-door session, the NEC approved the timetable for the Elective National Convention, scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan. PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba reaffirmed the party’s commitment to unity and internal democracy, stating that resolving internal disputes reflects the PDP’s culture of dialogue and mutual understanding.
Some party members interpret the choice of Ibadan, a stronghold of Governor Makinde, as a calculated move to consolidate his power within the party. A NEC member explained that zoning the ticket to the South is also an effort to rebuild trust with southern members, especially following the fallout from the 2023 elections. The NEC maintained the existing zoning formula for other national offices to avoid further conflict.
Despite these efforts at unity, tensions persist between Makinde and Wike, who have become political rivals after once being allies. Wike has accused Makinde of violating internal agreements, while Makinde’s supporters allege that Wike is undermining the PDP to benefit the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The NEC also directed the National Working Committee (NWC) to pursue legal action to reclaim the seats of lawmakers who defected from the PDP. Citing constitutional provisions, the NEC emphasized that such lawmakers have lost their seats and called on members involved with rival parties to recommit to the PDP, as dual membership is prohibited by law.
To ensure transparency during the convention, the NEC approved the memberships of the National Convention Committee and the Convention Zoning Committee. The next NEC meeting is scheduled for August 25, 2025.
