NEC affirms Damagum as Chairman, gears up for November convention in Ibadan
By Ibom Informer
Abuja – In a major political move ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned its presidential ticket to the South, effectively opening the door for key southern politicians, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, to challenge incumbent President Bola Tinubu.
The decision was ratified at the party’s 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Monday. The NEC also reaffirmed the existing zoning arrangement for National Working Committee (NWC) offices and confirmed Umar Damagum as the substantive National Chairman.
Reading the NEC communiqué, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, disclosed that the zoning decision followed the recommendation of the Zoning Committee chaired by Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri. He also confirmed that preparations were in top gear for the party’s Elective National Convention scheduled for November 15-16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“All PDP national offices currently in the North shall remain in the North, and likewise for those in the South,” the communiqué read in part. “Accordingly, having retained the office of the National Chairman in the Northern region, the 2027 presidential ticket has been zoned to the Southern region.”
The zoning decision could set the stage for a presidential run by Governor Makinde and possibly pave the way for a reconciliation with former party stalwarts such as 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
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Obi Yet to Decide on 2027 Run
Amid speculation of Obi’s possible return to the PDP, the Obidient Movement’s national coordinator, Tanko Yunusa, said that the former Anambra governor would take time to assess the political landscape before announcing his next move.
“Obi has made it clear that his current priority is supporting his party’s candidates for the November 8 governorship election. He will study the situation and decide in due course,” Yunusa said.
APC Dismisses PDP Move
Reacting to the development, the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the PDP’s 2027 prospects. APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, insisted the opposition party is headed for defeat regardless of the region its candidate comes from.
Zoning Battles, Lingering Fractures
Zoning has long been a contentious issue in the PDP. In 2015, internal resistance from the North against then-President Goodluck Jonathan’s bid contributed to the party’s first national defeat. A similar scenario unfolded in 2023 when the G5 Governors, led by then-Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike, rejected Atiku Abubakar’s northern candidacy, arguing the presidency should rotate to the South after President Buhari’s two terms.
Despite the party’s zoning committee, chaired by then-Benue Governor Samuel Ortom, throwing the ticket open, internal rebellion and unresolved grievances weakened the PDP’s cohesion, ultimately hurting its electoral chances.
The fallout also led to notable defections, including those of former Senate President David Mark and ex-Benue Governor Gabriel Suswam, who left for the African Democratic Congress.
Damagum Confirmed as Chairman
In a bid to stabilise its leadership, the PDP NEC on Monday confirmed Umar Damagum as substantive National Chairman. Ologunagba said the move was to recognise Damagum’s role in maintaining party unity ahead of the 2025 convention.
PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, said the party was making “strong efforts” to rebuild public trust and ensure internal disputes are resolved ahead of the next electoral cycle.
BoT, Wike Back Zoning Shift
The Board of Trustees, represented by Senator Ahmed Makarfi on behalf of Chairman Adolphus Wabara, called for unity, sacrifice, and reconciliation to position the PDP as a viable alternative in 2027.
“The hopes of millions of Nigerians rest on our ability to build, reconcile and position this party. Reclaiming victory in 2027 will require more than rhetoric—it will demand sacrifice,” Wabara said.
In a related development, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said he felt vindicated by the NEC’s decision to zone the presidential ticket to the South and the chairmanship to the North—an arrangement he advocated for during the 2022 crisis.
Ahead of the convention, party elders including Professor Jerry Gana and Deputy National Publicity Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi have expressed support for a return of Peter Obi to the PDP fold, signalling potential alliances that could shape the 2027 race.
