PDP Zone 2027 Presidency South, North to Retain Chairmanship 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South while the North will retain the national chairmanship, in a move party leaders say is aimed at promoting balance and unity ahead of the next general elections.

The decision was reached at the party’s 102nd National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Monday.

It follows weeks of consultations by the PDP zoning committee, which submitted its report recommending the retention of the existing formula for the sharing of key offices between North and South.

The NEC also confirmed Umar Damagum, who had been serving as acting national chairman since 2023, as the substantive head of the party.

His confirmation was described by insiders as a step to stabilise the PDP leadership and prepare the ground for its national convention.

As part of the new arrangement, the South will produce the party’s presidential candidate for 2027. Internal micro-zoning has already been completed in the region: the South-West secured the National Secretary, the South-South retained the Deputy National Chairman (South) and the Publicity Secretary, while the South-East took the Deputy National Secretary and the Financial Secretary positions.

The North is expected to finalise its own internal sharing of offices in the coming weeks.

In addition, the NEC fixed November 15 to 16, 2025, for the PDP elective national convention, which will take place in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The choice of Ibadan, analysts note, strengthens Governor Seyi Makinde’s profile within the party but could deepen rivalry with other power blocs, including allies of former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike.

Party officials say the zoning decision reflects the PDP’s long-standing tradition of rotating key offices between the two regions, and was necessary to reassure members of fairness as the party seeks to reposition itself as Nigeria’s leading opposition force.

Analysts believe the decision will shape political alignments in the months ahead as aspirants from the South begin to declare interest.

They also warn that managing internal divisions will be crucial if the PDP is to present a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.