(DDM) – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially zoned its presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the announcement followed the party’s 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Monday, where critical decisions about the party’s future were discussed.
According to the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the resolution was based on recommendations from the Zoning Committee chaired by Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri.
Party Retains Existing Zoning Arrangement
Ologunagba told journalists that the NEC resolved to maintain the current National Working Committee (NWC) zoning formula ahead of its elective convention scheduled for November.
“NEC recommended that the North and South should retain their current NWC positions,” Ologunagba announced.
“Since the National Chairman of the party is zoned to the North, the PDP 2027 presidential ticket is hereby zoned to the South,” he added.
The NEC also expressed satisfaction with preparations for the upcoming convention and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a credible internal electoral process.
Strategic Meetings Preceded the Announcement
DDM learned that the NEC decision came shortly after PDP governors held a closed-door meeting at the Government House, Gusau, in Zamfara State.
While details of the meeting were not disclosed, party insiders confirmed that key discussions centered on national issues, internal cohesion, and strategies for reclaiming power in 2027.
The PDP NEC convention, scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, is expected to set the tone for the party’s presidential primaries and overall election campaign.
Political Significance of the Zoning Decision
The PDP’s zoning policy, a long-standing principle aimed at promoting inclusivity, has often shaped the nation’s political discourse.
By allocating the presidential ticket to the South, analysts believe the party is positioning itself to harness southern political strength while balancing national power dynamics.
Dr. Raymond Ojo, a political analyst, told DDM that the decision could ease internal disputes and present the PDP as a party committed to fairness and unity.
“This move sends a strong signal to southern political blocs that the PDP is serious about power rotation,” he explained.
“But the real challenge will be producing a strong, widely acceptable candidate who can bridge regional and ethnic divides.”
PDP’s Struggle To Reclaim Power
Since losing the presidency to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015, the PDP has faced multiple internal crises, including factional disputes, leadership struggles, and defections of key figures.
Observers say the party’s success in 2027 will depend largely on its ability to present a united front and run an issue-based campaign.
The zoning decision is therefore seen as a step toward consolidating party loyalty, particularly among its southern members who have been vocal about equitable power sharing.
Stakeholders React To The Announcement
Initial reactions from party stakeholders suggest cautious optimism about the zoning arrangement.
Some senior PDP members hailed the decision as a unifying step that could strengthen the party’s grassroots support.
Others, however, warned that zoning alone will not guarantee electoral victory without addressing internal rifts and presenting a clear agenda to voters.
Looking Ahead To November Convention
The PDP elective convention in Ibadan will now serve as a critical platform for shaping the party’s direction ahead of the primaries.
Party insiders say the convention will likely feature intense lobbying, as southern aspirants jostle for the presidential ticket and northern leaders negotiate their role in the campaign strategy.
National Implications
Nigeria’s political climate is expected to heat up in the coming months as major parties position themselves for the 2027 race.
The APC, which has held power since 2015, is yet to announce its zoning formula, while smaller parties are also exploring alliances that could reshape electoral dynamics.
Political observers believe the PDP’s latest decision could trigger similar realignments within other political blocs.
