2027 Presidency: Makinde, Others to Contest PDP Ticket After Zoning Decision.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, opening the path for Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other southern politicians to challenge President Bola Tinubu.
The decision was made during the party’s 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which also confirmed Umar Damagum as the substantive National Chairman.
The NEC upheld the current National Working Committee zoning formula for the November 2025 elective convention in Ibadan, Oyo State. PDP leaders said the zoning arrangement ensures party positions currently held by northerners remain in the North, while positions held by southerners remain in the South.
Reacting to the NEC resolutions, former Rivers State Governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike described the move as correcting past errors, emphasizing that it restores balance after previous zoning controversies.
Meanwhile, loyalists of Peter Obi, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, indicated the former Anambra governor would need more time before deciding his next political move.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the zoning arrangement, with its Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, asserting that President Tinubu will be re-elected regardless of the PDP’s decisions. Similarly, the Bauchi State PDP chapter expressed full support for the zoning decision, emphasizing party unity and a commitment to victory in 2027.
The PDP NEC meeting also commended the party’s governors, Board of Trustees, National Working Committee, and other party organs for their efforts in preparing for the 2025 National Convention. Stakeholders highlighted the importance of unity, progress, sacrifice, reconciliation, and inclusion as key principles to ensure success in the 2027 general election.
Governor Makinde is seen as a leading contender for the PDP presidential ticket, with analysts noting his influence in rallying governors and stabilizing the party. However, some critics warned that zoning the presidency to the South could inadvertently favor President Tinubu’s re-election.
