By Rafiyat Sadiq
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South. The decision, which aligns with the recommendations of the party’s founding fathers, was adopted during its 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Thursday.
Alongside the zoning decision, the party also resolved to relocate its Elective National Convention from Kano to Ibadan, Oyo State.
The convention will now be held on November 15 and 16, 2025.
Makinde’s Rising Influence
The move is widely seen as a strategic effort to strengthen the political profile of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who is believed to be a strong contender for the 2027 presidential ticket. The choice of Ibadan, a stronghold of Makinde, has been interpreted by insiders as a tactical positioning ahead of the party’s internal power negotiations.
The NEC, chaired by Acting National Chairman Ambassador Iliya Damagum, gathered top party leaders to deliberate on party unity, internal disputes, and preparation for the 2027 general elections.
READ ALSO: PDP Moves BoT Meeting Amid Tension, Police Deny Clampdown
Party Boasts of Resilience Despite Defections
Addressing concerns over recent defections to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Damagum expressed confidence in the PDP’s resilience. He claimed that many of the defectors had since returned, while others had shown interest in rejoining the party.
Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara, echoed similar sentiments. Represented by former Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, Wabara stated that strong and inspiring leadership at the upcoming national convention could bring back many defectors.
“This is a very important meeting that many believed would never happen. But here we are, meeting legally and constitutionally. The decisions we take today will send a strong message to those who are still sceptical,” he said.
Revisiting the 2023 Zoning Controversy
The PDP’s decision to zone its 2027 ticket to the South marks a clear shift from its controversial stance in the 2023 elections.
In 2022, the party suspended its traditional zoning arrangement and opened its presidential ticket to all regions. The decision, made on grounds of internal democracy and electoral timelines, was widely criticised by southern and Middle Belt leaders, who argued that it undermined fairness and the party’s founding principles.
The fallout from that episode contributed to internal fractures within the PDP and strained relationships among top figures.
Why Ibadan Was Chosen
During a closed-door session of the NEC, the new timetable for the party’s Elective National Convention was approved, relocating the event from Kano to Ibadan. Speaking afterwards, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba said the party remained committed to unity and dialogue.
“The NEC expressed satisfaction over the resolution of all disputes within the party. This again shows the patriotic nature of our members and the PDP’s tradition of dialogue and mutual understanding for the good of the party and the nation,” he said.
An NEC insider revealed that the decision to zone the ticket to the South and retain the current formula for party offices was a delicate compromise meant to rebuild trust after the 2023 dispute.
Tensions Between Makinde and Wike Escalate
The zoning decision has further strained relations between Governor Makinde and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike. Once allies, both men are now embroiled in a bitter rivalry. Wike has accused Makinde of breaching internal agreements and attempting to destabilise the party.
In response, Makinde’s loyalists claim Wike is undermining the PDP from within to favour the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 polls.
However A founding chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, has dismissed recent reports suggesting a rift between Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, over the forthcoming PDP National Convention, describing such claims as baseless and mischievous.
Onaiwu, who served as the pioneer Director-General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, said the reports were the handiwork of political saboteurs determined to destabilise the party’s unity and progress ahead of the convention.
PDP Moves to Reclaim Defected Lawmakers’ Seats
In a strong move against defections, the NEC directed the National Working Committee (NWC) to initiate legal steps to reclaim the seats of lawmakers who left the party.
Citing Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, the party argued that defectors have forfeited their legislative seats. The NEC also warned members involved in the activities of rival parties to return fully to the PDP, stressing that dual membership is unconstitutional.
“To ensure a smooth and transparent convention, the NEC also approved the membership of both the National Convention Committee and the Convention Zoning Committee,” Ologunagba added.
Defectors Will Return — Wabara
Mr Wabara noted that if the PDP delivers purposeful leadership, many who left will return. He urged unity among party leaders and expressed support for all organs of the party, especially the governors.
Mr Iliya Damagum reported that several members who joined opposition coalitions are already returning to the party.
“Many who jumped on the coalition bandwagon have already returned to our fold. Some even claim they never left and merely attended a meeting. We accept their confessions without prejudice,” he said, praising the loyalty of party governors, state chairmen, and lawmakers.
Bala Mohammed: Our Doors Are Open
Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, assured that the party remains open to those willing to return. He emphasised the need for internal discipline and commended the NWC’s flexibility.
“We sympathise with those who became impatient and left, but certainly, they will come to understand. We are keeping the door open for them to return within a reasonable timeframe,” he said.
Mohammed also stressed the importance of unity as the PDP positions itself as a credible alternative ahead of the next general elections.
The NEC adjourned its meeting with a resolution to reconvene on August 25, 2025. Party leaders say they are committed to steering the PDP toward a stronger, more united future.
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.
