ABUJA, Nigeria — The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a move that could significantly shape the contest for Nigeria’s highest political office.
The decision was announced on Monday, August 25, 2025 following the party’s 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
Speaking after the closed-door session, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba said the resolution was adopted after a report was presented by the Zoning Committee, chaired by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri.
“NEC recommended that the North and South should retain their current NWC positions,” Ologunagba said.
“NEC also resolved that since the National Chairman of the party is zoned to the North, the PDP 2027 Presidential ticket is hereby zoned to the South.”
Preparations for November Convention
Ologunagba added that the NEC expressed satisfaction with the level of preparations for the PDP’s elective convention scheduled for November.
The party will retain its existing National Working Committee (NWC) zoning arrangement for the convention, ensuring continuity in its leadership structure.
Political Implications
The zoning decision sets the stage for southern aspirants to emerge as the party’s standard-bearers in 2027.
It also reflects the PDP’s long-standing principle of rotational power-sharing between the North and South, a practice aimed at balancing representation in the country’s diverse political landscape.
With the NEC resolution, attention is expected to turn to leading figures in the South who may seek the PDP ticket, as the party positions itself to challenge the ruling party in the next general election.
