The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the southern region of Nigeria.
This major decision was announced on Monday, August 25, 2025, after the PDP’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
Party leaders also resolved that the national chairmanship position would remain in the north.
The zoning arrangement sets the stage for what could be a defining moment in the opposition party’s bid to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
The NEC also confirmed Umar Damagum as the party’s substantive national chairman.
Damagum had been serving in an acting capacity since March 2023 following the suspension of former chairman Senator Iyorchia Ayu. A Nigerian court later upheld Ayu’s removal, paving the way for Damagum’s leadership.
Before taking up the role, Damagum held the position of PDP National Deputy Chairman (North).
His emergence as chairman aligns with the party’s zoning formula, which ensures that the chairmanship remains in the north while the presidency is contested by aspirants from the south.
Analysts believe this zoning outcome may spark intense political activity in the south as key figures within the PDP begin to position themselves for the party’s ticket.
Names of potential aspirants are already making rounds, with party stakeholders expected to engage in strategic negotiations to avoid deep internal divisions.
Party leaders insist the decision was necessary to strengthen unity and give the PDP a fighting chance in the 2027 polls.
A senior NEC member noted that balancing the leadership between the north and south remains critical to maintaining stability in the party.
The PDP’s zoning strategy comes at a time when political observers predict a heated contest in 2027.
President Bola Tinubu has indicated interest in seeking re-election, while some opposition leaders argue that the ruling APC still enjoys strong grassroots support across northern states.
For now, all eyes are on the PDP as the party begins its countdown to selecting its standard bearer. With the presidential slot now zoned to the south, the race for the ticket promises to be fierce, potentially reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the next general election.
