PDP moves 2027 presidential ticket to South

In a major shift from its 2023 strategy, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the southern region of Nigeria.

The decision was reached on Wednesday during the party’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, following consultations with key founding members. This marks a clear departure from the open-ticket approach adopted ahead of the 2023 elections.

As part of its broader strategic adjustments, the NEC also approved the relocation of the party’s Elective National Convention from Kano to Ibadan, Oyo State. The convention, scheduled for November 15 and 16, will determine the new leadership of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

The resolution to zone the presidential ticket southward is seen by some observers as a strategic endorsement that could benefit Makinde’s speculated presidential ambition, potentially shifting internal power balances away from Wike and his allies.

The NEC session, chaired by the party’s acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, brought together high-ranking party leaders who deliberated on pressing issues affecting PDP’s cohesion and 2027 preparedness.

Despite recent defections to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Damagum remained upbeat about PDP’s prospects, noting that several defectors had already rejoined the party.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara, echoed this sentiment, stating that strong leadership at the forthcoming national convention could encourage more returnees.

“The Board of Trustees has always supported all organs of the party, especially the governors, in promoting unity and building consensus to move the party forward,” said Wabara, represented by former Kaduna State Governor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi.

He emphasized the importance of the NEC gathering, which had faced skepticism prior to its occurrence. “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 added.

During a closed-door session, the NEC set November 15 and 16, 2025, as the new dates for the Elective National Convention, now scheduled to hold in Ibadan. This change is believed by some insiders to reinforce Governor Makinde’s influence within the party, given Ibadan’s significance as his political base.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba reaffirmed the party’s commitment to unity.

“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 stated.

A NEC member, who asked not to be named, shared insights into the meeting’s atmosphere. “The mood in the hall was largely in favour of unity and strategic balance. After carefully weighing the options, we agreed to adopt the founding fathers’ recommendation to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South. This is meant to rebuild trust among our southern members after the 2023 fallout. At the same time, we retained the existing zoning formula for national offices to prevent further conflict. It was a delicate compromise, but one we believe will help reposition the PDP ahead of the next election.”

While the PDP attempts to project internal unity, the zoning decision has reportedly worsened the already strained relationship between Makinde and Wike. Once political allies, the two are now said to be at odds, with accusations flying from both camps.

(VANGUARD)