The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, opening the race for Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and other southern politicians against President Bola Tinubu.
The decision came at the party’s 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja. Ahead of its November 15-16, 2025, national convention in Ibadan, the PDP also affirmed Umar Damagum as substantive National Chairman and retained the existing zoning formula.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, told reporters that Governor Diri’s Zoning Committee report influenced the NEC’s resolution. The meeting praised the preparedness of PDP organs, governors, the Board of Trustees, and the National Assembly Caucus for the upcoming convention.
According to the NEC communiqué, the presidential slot now belongs to the South, while the National Chairman’s office remains in the North. The NEC directed regions to micro-zone positions within their areas for swift implementation.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi’s supporters said the former Labour Party candidate is still consulting on his 2027 political future. Reacting, APC spokesman Bala Ibrahim dismissed the PDP decision, insisting the ruling party would win regardless who the opposition hands its 2027 presidential ticket.
