The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the southern region of Nigeria.
This decision was made during a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Monday, putting an end to months of speculation and internal debate.
According to Debo Ologunagba, the party’s spokesperson, the NEC endorsed the recommendations of its zoning committee after extensive deliberation.
The new arrangement means that while the party’s national chairmanship will remain in the northern region, the presidential candidate for the next general election will come from the south.
The party’s communique also stated that the current zoning of all national office positions will remain in place for the upcoming national convention in November.
The party’s NEC expressed confidence in its preparations for the national convention, scheduled for November 15-16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The party also used the meeting as an opportunity to condemn what it described as widespread irregularities in recent bye-elections.
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The NEC accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using vote-buying, intimidation, and an excessive deployment of security personnel to manipulate the outcomes, particularly in Kaduna, Taraba, and Zamfara states.
The PDP warned that such actions pose a “clear and present danger to democracy.” The decision to zone the presidential ticket to the South is a significant move for the PDP.
The party had faced a major internal crisis ahead of the 2023 elections after leaving its ticket open to all regions, a decision that drew sharp criticism from prominent members such as FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The party’s leadership stated that it is dedicated to democratic principles and is focused on regaining power in 2027.
