The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, marking a shift from its 2023 approach when the ticket was thrown open to all regions.

This decision aligns with a recommendation by the party’s founding fathers and was ratified at the PDP’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja.

The party also announced that its Elective National Convention would take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, rather than the earlier planned venue in Kano. This decision is likely to escalate tensions between the camps of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. Party insiders see the move as a strategic effort to boost Makinde’s influence, potentially at the expense of Wike and his loyalists.

The NEC meeting was chaired by acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, and brought together top PDP figures to address pressing issues affecting the party’s unity and preparedness ahead of the 2027 elections. Damagum noted that despite recent defections to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), many of those who left had returned to the PDP.

Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), expressed optimism that more defectors would return if the PDP delivered strong leadership at its upcoming convention. Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, who chairs the PDP Governors Forum, also welcomed the return of former members.

During a closed-door session, the NEC approved a timetable for the Elective National Convention, now set for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan. The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to unity and internal democracy, saying the resolution of internal disputes reflected the PDP’s culture of dialogue and mutual understanding.

Some party members view the choice of Ibadan, Governor Makinde’s stronghold, as a calculated step to consolidate his influence within the party. A NEC member said the decision to zone the ticket to the South was a gesture to rebuild trust with southern members, especially after the fallout from the 2023 election. The NEC also retained the existing zoning formula for national offices to prevent further conflict.

Despite efforts at unity, tensions remain high between Makinde and Wike, who were once allies but are now political adversaries. Wike has accused Makinde of breaching internal agreements, while Makinde’s supporters allege that Wike is working to undermine the PDP in favor of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The NEC also directed the National Working Committee (NWC) to initiate legal action to reclaim the seats of lawmakers who defected from the PDP. Citing constitutional provisions, the NEC stated that such lawmakers have lost their seats. Members involved with rival parties were urged to recommit to the PDP, as dual membership is not permitted under the law.

To ensure a transparent convention process, the NEC approved the membership of both the National Convention Committee and the Convention Zoning Committee. The next NEC meeting is scheduled for August 25, 2025.