The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to Nigeria’s Southern region and confirmed Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagum as substantive National Chairman during its 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on August 25, 2025, in Abuja, setting the stage for its national convention in Ibadan on November 15-16, 2025.

The NEC approved the National Convention Zoning Committee’s recommendations to retain all Northern-held national office positions, including the chairmanship, in the North, while Southern positions remain in the South.

The Southern region will produce the PDP’s 2027 presidential candidate, with both regions tasked to micro-zone positions immediately. “This ensures fairness and unity,” said Hon. Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary.

The party praised Damagum’s leadership in stabilizing its ranks, ratifying his role as chairman until the Ibadan convention.

The NEC also commended the PDP Governors’ Forum, Board of Trustees, National Working Committee, and National Assembly Caucus for their work toward a successful convention. The PDP Constitution Amendment Committee was directed to share draft amendments with party organs for further input.

The NEC slammed the All Progressives Congress (APC) for alleged “state capture” through intimidation and militarization in recent bye-elections in Kaduna, Taraba, and Zamfara states, particularly citing excessive security deployment for a run-off in five polling units in Zamfara’s Kaura Namoda South. “This threatens Nigeria’s democracy,” the communique warned. The PDP vowed to reposition itself to reclaim power in 2027, with its next meeting set for October 15, 2025.

The PDP’s zoning decision taps into Nigeria’s rotational presidency norm, seen in the North-South power alternation since 1999, to foster unity and counter APC’s dominance.