By Rafiyat Sadiq
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has inaugurated a 44-member zoning committee to determine the allocation of key positions ahead of its national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16.
The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) had earlier fixed the dates for the election of new members into the National Working Committee (NWC).
The zoning panel is tasked with recommending the distribution of offices across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with the NEC set to review and approve the final arrangement.
Party Tradition and Past Crisis
By PDP tradition, if the chairmanship is zoned to the north, the presidential ticket goes to the south, and vice versa.
In 2021, the party zoned its chairmanship to the north but left the presidential ticket open the following year, a decision that triggered an internal crisis.
Damagum Urges Fairness and Unity
Speaking at the inauguration at the party’s Abuja headquarters, Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum stressed the need for fairness, equity, and strategic thinking in the zoning process.
“This committee is the engine room where we lay the political foundation for the leadership of the PDP over the next four years.
Your decisions will shape our ability to serve Nigerians, win elections, and uphold democratic values,” he said.
He added that both principal officers and their deputies should be given equal importance, noting that the PDP remains strong despite leadership changes and defections.
Leadership of the Committee
The committee is chaired by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, with Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal as vice chairman and Plateau State Governor Caleb Muftwang as secretary.
READ ALSO: PDP Zones 2027 Presidential Ticket to the South, Moves Convention to Ibadan
Members of the Committee
Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Lado Dan Marke, Peter N. Jiya, Isiak Salman, Eddy Olafeso, Monsurat Sumonu, Bashiru Tokunbo Salami, Hamza Akuyan Koshe, Mohammed Imam, Gebon T. Kataps, Dan Ulasi, Ikeje Asogwa, Jones Onyereri, Peter Mrakpo, Emmanuel Ibiok, Warman Ogoriba, Nnena Ukeje, Abdu Bulama, Rita Orji, Aliyu Idi Hong, Sunday Solarin, Duro Faseyi, Ibrahim Dankwambo, Mahe Dange, Tony Aziegbemi, Igwe Godwin Abeng, Frank Owhor, Isa Ahsiru, Aminu Taura, Kabiru Usman, Francis Orogu, Abraham Kwaghnguh, Hassan Usman Sokodabo, Kevin Chukwu, Ibrahim Shekarau, Ibrahim Tsauri, Maryam Ciroma, Zainab Kure, Maxwell Okudo, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and Esther Uduehi.
The committee’s recommendations are expected to guide the PDP’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
