2027: PDP Zones Presidency To The South

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has designated its 2027 presidential ticket for the South, diverging from its 2023 approach of opening the ticket to all regions.

This choice aligns with a suggestion from the party’s founding members and was formalized during the PDP’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja.

The party further disclosed that its Elective National Convention will be held in Ibadan, Oyo State, instead of the previously designated location in Kano. This shift is expected to intensify conflicts between the factions of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State. Insiders within the party perceive this move as a deliberate attempt to enhance Makinde’s authority, potentially at the cost of Wike and his supporters.

The NEC meeting was presided over by acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, and convened prominent PDP leaders to tackle critical challenges impacting the party’s cohesion and readiness for the 2027 elections. Damagum highlighted that despite recent defections to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), many of those who departed have rejoined the PDP.

Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), expressed confidence that additional defectors would return if the PDP demonstrated robust leadership at its forthcoming convention. Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, who leads the PDP Governors Forum, also expressed support for the return of former members.

In a private session, the NEC established a schedule for the Elective National Convention, now planned for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, reaffirmed the party’s dedication to unity and internal democracy, stating that the resolution of internal disputes reflected the PDP’s culture of dialogue and mutual understanding.

Certain party members view the selection of Ibadan, Governor Makinde’s stronghold, as a strategic move to strengthen his influence within the party. A NEC member noted that the decision to zone the ticket to the South was an effort to restore trust with southern members, particularly following the tensions from the 2023 election. The NEC also upheld the current zoning formula for national offices to avoid further disputes.

Despite attempts to foster unity, tensions persist between Makinde and Wike, former allies who have become political rivals. Wike has accused Makinde of violating internal agreements, while Makinde’s supporters claim that Wike is working to weaken the PDP in favor of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The NEC also instructed the National Working Committee (NWC) to pursue legal action to recover the seats of lawmakers who defected from the PDP. Referencing constitutional provisions, the NEC declared that such lawmakers have forfeited their seats. Members associated with rival parties were encouraged to recommit to the PDP, as dual membership is prohibited under the law.

To ensure a transparent convention process, the NEC approved the membership of both the National Convention Committee and the Convention Zoning Committee. The next NEC meeting is set for August 25, 2025.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli