The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially zoned the party’s 2027 presidential ticket to the South, setting the stage for what is expected to be a high-stakes race within the opposition party ahead of the next general elections.

 

The decision was reached during the NEC meeting held  at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, explained that the zoning decision was based on recommendations from the party’s Zoning Committee, which was chaired by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri.

Ologunagba stated:

“NEC resolved that since the National Chairman of the party is zoned to the North, the PDP 2027 Presidential ticket is hereby zoned to the South.”

He further revealed that the NEC also recommended that both the North and South should retain their current National Working Committee (NWC) positions, a move aimed at maintaining internal stability and regional balance within the party leadership.

The NEC also expressed satisfaction with the level of preparations for the November National Convention, where key decisions, including candidate nominations and structural adjustments, are expected to take place.

 

With this development, the race for the PDP’s 2027 presidential ticket is now open to Southern aspirants, potentially including notable figures such as:

• Peter Obi

• Ifedayo Abosede

• Nyesom Wike

• Senator Anyim Pius Anyim

• Governor Ademola Adeleke

• Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe

 

The zoning aligns with PDP’s internal power rotation formula and appears aimed at presenting a formidable Southern candidate to challenge the incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is expected to seek re-election under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Attention will now turn to which Southern heavyweight emerges as the PDP’s standard bearer. The months leading to the November convention and the party’s primaries are expected to be politically charged as consultations, alliances, and declarations begin to unfold.