2027 Presidency: Makinde, Other Southern PDP Leaders Eye Ticket

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, clearing the path for Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and other southern heavyweights to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the next general election.

The decision was reached at the party’s 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Monday. The NEC also ratified the existing zoning arrangement for the November elective convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, and confirmed Umar Damagum as the substantive National Chairman.

Zoning Fallout and Party History

Zoning has long defined PDP politics, often leading to internal strife. In 2015, northern stakeholders rejected ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid, demanding the ticket return north—a revolt that paved the way for the APC’s rise to power.
A similar crisis emerged in 2023 when five governors, led by then Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike, resisted Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy, arguing the South deserved the ticket after Buhari’s eight-year tenure.

Although a committee led by former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom had thrown the ticket open, Wike’s G-5 bloc opposed the move. The fallout triggered defections of big names like David Mark, Dino Melaye, and Gabriel Suswam to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

NEC Resolutions

After extensive deliberations, NEC approved the report of the zoning committee chaired by Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri. The resolutions include:

• All national offices currently held in the North remain in the North.

• All positions in the South remain in the South.

• With the chairmanship retained in the North, the 2027 presidential ticket is zoned to the South.

• Regional caucuses must now “micro-zone” positions internally.

Damagum’s confirmation as substantive chairman took effect on August 25, 2025. The NEC also expressed confidence in the party’s readiness for its November 15–16 convention in Ibadan.

The NEC communiqué accused the APC of “state capture” through intimidation, coercion, and militarisation of recent bye-elections in Kaduna, Taraba, and Zamfara. It pledged the PDP’s commitment to democracy and vowed to defend citizens’ rights as it reorganises ahead of 2027.

Reactions Inside and Outside PDP

While Makinde is seen as a frontrunner for the ticket, other figures such as former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Labour Party candidate Peter Obi may also enter the race.

• Peter Obi’s camp: Obidient Movement coordinator Tanko Yunusa said Obi would decide his next move after the November governorship elections.

• Wike’s camp: The FCT Minister declared the PDP’s decision vindicated him and his G-5 allies, who had warned in 2022 that keeping both the presidential ticket and chairmanship in the North would cost the party dearly.

• APC response: APC Publicity Director Bala Ibrahim dismissed the PDP’s chances, saying Tinubu’s performance would secure him re-election “regardless of where PDP zones its ticket.”

• Bauchi PDP: State spokesperson Dayyabu Ciroma pledged loyalty to whoever emerges from the primaries, insisting zoning strengthens unity.

• Makinde’s camp: His aide Dare Adeleke argued that Makinde had “paid his dues,” crediting him with preventing PDP from collapse during its turbulent years.

Party Elders Call for Unity

PDP leaders, including BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara (represented by Senator Ahmed Makarfi), stressed that unity, sacrifice, and reconciliation were critical for the party’s 2027 success. “Our strength lies in diversity and the ability to reconcile for the greater good,” he said.

Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed also highlighted ongoing efforts to resolve disputes and stabilise the NWC ahead of the convention.

Concerns Over Strategy

Not all voices were in support. Former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim argued the zoning decision indirectly benefits Tinubu, calling it “an unprecedented default campaign for the APC.”

Nonetheless, PDP organs remain optimistic, with Damagum urging members to stay united as Nigerians “look up to the PDP as the only credible alternative capable of restoring hope, equity, and justice.”