The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a decision seen as paving the way for Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and even ex-Labour Party candidate Peter Obi—should he return to the fold—to challenge President Bola Tinubu.
At its 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, the party also confirmed Umar Damagum as substantive National Chairman and retained the current zoning of National Working Committee offices ahead of the November 2025 elective convention in Ibadan.
PDP’s zoning history has been fraught with crisis. Disputes over the ticket contributed to its 2015 defeat and the 2023 rebellion of the G-5 governors led by Nyesom Wike. Monday’s decision, according to NEC, was meant to correct those past mistakes and stabilise the party ahead of 2027.
Reacting, Wike claimed vindication, recalling his group’s 2022 demand that the chairmanship be swapped for balance. “They have realised their mistake, but is it not too late?” he asked.
Meanwhile, Obi’s allies say he is weighing his options. Obidient Movement coordinator Tanko Yunusa said Obi would focus on backing Labour candidates in upcoming elections before deciding on a return to PDP.
The ruling All Progressives Congress dismissed the PDP’s move as inconsequential. Its publicity director, Bala Ibrahim, insisted Tinubu would be re-elected “regardless of where the PDP zones its ticket,” describing the ruling party as national in outlook and performance.
Within PDP, however, optimism persists. Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde urged unity, while BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara called for sacrifice and reconciliation. Bauchi PDP also pledged full support for whoever emerges from the primaries.
But dissent remains. Former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim warned that zoning the ticket South was effectively an endorsement of Tinubu’s re-election, arguing that PDP risked fielding weak opposition.
As PDP prepares for its November convention, the zoning decision has set the stage for a southern showdown, with Makinde, Obi, and other aspirants now clearer contenders for the 2027 race.
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