The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), at its 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, resolved to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South. This move positions Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and other southern leaders to potentially challenge President Bola Tinubu in the next general election.

During the meeting, the PDP also affirmed its current zoning formula for the National Working Committee (NWC) ahead of the elective convention scheduled for November in Ibadan. Additionally, Umar Damagum was confirmed as the substantive National Chairman.

Meanwhile, supporters of Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, including Obidient Movement coordinator Tanko Yunusa, stated that Obi is taking time to consider his political direction before making any announcements.

Reacting to the zoning development, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the move, asserting that the PDP would lose in 2027 regardless of the candidate or region.

Zoning has historically played a central role in PDP’s internal politics. In 2015, northern party members opposed President Goodluck Jonathan’s reelection bid, advocating for the ticket to return to their region—a factor that contributed to PDP's defeat.

A similar divide emerged in 2023, when five governors led by then Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike resisted Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy. Though the zoning committee had opted to throw the ticket open, Wike’s group argued that after Buhari’s two terms, the South should be considered.

Following Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s removal as National Chairman by court order in 2023, North Central stakeholders demanded the chairmanship but were denied. The fallout led to defections by notable figures such as former Senate President David Mark and ex-Governor Gabriel Suswam to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

These unresolved zoning disputes have plagued the PDP from 2015 onward.

On Monday, the 44-member Zoning Committee, chaired by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, presented its report to the NEC in Abuja.

PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, addressing journalists after the NEC meeting, announced that the committee recommended maintaining the current zoning arrangement, with northern-held positions remaining in the North and southern-held offices staying in the South. Consequently, with the National Chairmanship retained in the North, the 2027 presidential ticket was zoned to the South.

The NEC further directed that each region micro-zone positions accordingly. Updates on constitutional amendments were also shared, with the draft to be circulated for broader feedback.

Ologunagba added that Damagum’s confirmation as National Chairman takes effect from August 25, 2025, recognizing his stabilizing influence on the party.

The NEC condemned the APC's alleged use of state resources to suppress opposition during recent bye-elections, particularly in Kaduna, Taraba, and Zamfara States. It criticized the heavy security presence during the Kaura Namoda South run-off, describing it as an attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.

Reaffirming its commitment to democratic values, the NEC expressed readiness to reclaim power in 2027.

Although unofficial, Governor Makinde is among those being considered as presidential hopefuls from the South under this new arrangement.

Damagum noted that the PDP has remained focused and resilient despite national challenges, emphasizing that Nigerians view the party as the only viable alternative for restoring justice and hope. He called on members to remain united and disciplined ahead of the convention, which will determine the leadership for the 2027 race.

Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, said efforts are ongoing to unify the party and prepare effectively for the upcoming convention.

He noted that outstanding congress issues have been resolved and communications with the electoral commission are in order. He affirmed the party’s unity and preparedness moving forward.

Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman Adolphus Wabara, represented by Senator Ahmed Makarfi, urged party members to embrace unity, sacrifice, and reconciliation. He said rebuilding the party would require more than rhetoric—it demands genuine efforts to unify and include all members.

Wabara acknowledged the country's current hardship, stating that the PDP must rise to provide leadership, restore confidence, and offer solutions.

On the recent NEC resolution, Nyesom Wike, now FCT Minister, said he felt vindicated. Through a statement from his aide, he recalled the stance of the G-5 governors in 2022, who had warned that maintaining both the presidential candidacy and national chairmanship in the North was a mistake. The refusal to adjust then led to defeat and internal instability.

He emphasized that the current reversal confirms the correctness of their earlier position, though he questioned whether the change is coming too late, as it could justify Southern leadership only through 2031.

On Peter Obi's possible return to the PDP, Obidient Movement’s Tanko Yunusa explained that Obi is prioritizing support for Labour Party candidates in the November governorship elections. He added that Obi is weighing his options carefully and will announce his decision in due course.

Obi has recently engaged in strategic meetings with opposition figures, including Atiku and the PDP Governors’ Forum chair, signaling potential alignment.

Several PDP leaders, including former Minister Jerry Gana and Deputy National Publicity Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi, have encouraged Obi to return to the party to pursue his presidential ambition.

The recent NEC meeting, which zoned the presidential ticket to the South while preserving current NWC position holders by region, could facilitate Obi’s potential comeback.

Yunusa emphasized the need for patience, stating that Obi is considering the broader implications before making a public move.

In a separate reaction, APC spokesman Ibrahim reiterated that PDP’s zoning strategy will not alter the outcome of the 2027 polls. He argued that President Tinubu will win re-election based on his performance and national appeal, regardless of where the opposition fields its candidate from.

He stated that the APC, being a nationally representative party, focuses on competence and not sectional politics. According to him, Tinubu’s leadership continues to resonate with Nigerians, unlike the PDP, which he accused of past failures.

Meanwhile, the Bauchi State chapter of the PDP expressed full support for the zoning arrangement, citing the need for party unity and a stronger shot at electoral victory.

Party spokesperson Dayyabu Ciroma affirmed the state's commitment to back whoever emerges from the primaries. He noted that while Peter Obi is a prominent southern figure, other qualified candidates, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, could also contest.

He emphasized that Bauchi PDP is loyal to the party’s collective decision and will rally behind any candidate who wins the nomination.

Dare Adeleke, Special Adviser to Governor Makinde, asserted that Makinde is in a strong position to clinch the party’s 2027 presidential ticket. According to him, Makinde’s role in preserving and strengthening the PDP cannot be overstated, as he led efforts to prevent defections and disintegration within the party ranks.

However, former PDP presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim criticized the zoning decision, warning that it inadvertently boosts Tinubu’s chances of reelection. He described the move as unprecedented and claimed that those championing the southern zoning within PDP are quietly backing Tinubu.