In 2027, potential contenders including Jonathan and Makinde might be part of the competition as the People's Democratic Party prepares to reveal their zoning arrangement.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Announces 2027 Presidential Zoning Decision
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced that its 2027 presidential ticket will be zoned to the South, in a bid to restore party unity and improve electoral chances after previous losses linked to zoning disputes. This decision was confirmed at the PDP's National Executive Committee meeting and is part of a broader zoning formula involving a newly inaugurated 44-member zoning committee chaired by Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri.
The zoning committee, which will meet on Thursday, August 14, in Abuja, will recommend the distribution of party leadership positions, including the presidential ticket. The committee's deliberations will focus on the review and adoption of the resolution of the Diri-led zoning committee.
Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State, is seen as a frontrunner for the presidential ticket, given his political influence in the South. Other potential candidates include former President Goodluck Jonathan and other notable southern figures. Meanwhile, tensions remain between factions supporting Makinde and those aligned with Minister and former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike, who previously opposed Atiku Abubakar's candidacy in 2023 but whose camp may be sidelined due to the zoning outcome favoring the South and Makinde's position.
The PDP's zoning principles aim to promote equity, justice, and fairness through the rotation and zoning of party and public elective offices. This decision is a significant step towards avoiding past regional conflicts and increasing the PDP’s competitiveness against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The national convention of the PDP, which will take place from November 15 to 16 in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, will be a crucial event in the party's preparations for the 2027 general election. The PDP is committed to partnering better with the Nigerian people to salvage the country from its current challenges.
The timetable and schedule of activities for the PDP's zoning process run from August 24 to December 2025. Key events include the meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Caucus of the PDP on August 24, the NWC's deliberation on issues for the agenda of the 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party scheduled for August 25, and the PDP's unveiling of its zoning formula for the 2027 general election on August 25, 2025. Copies of the program for the PDP's zoning process have been sent to key stakeholders.
Eddy Olufeso, a former national Vice chairman, stated that the PDP is working hard to regain its prime position in the nation's political space. The party's zoning decisions reflect this commitment to promoting equity, justice, and fairness in the political landscape of Nigeria.
- The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has decided to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, aiming to promote unity and improve electoral chances.
- Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State, is considered a frontrunner for the PDP's presidential ticket due to his political influence in the South.
- The PDP's zoning principles aim to ensure equity, justice, and fairness through the rotation and zoning of party and public elective offices.
- The zoning committee, chaired by Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri, will meet in Abuja to discuss and recommend the distribution of party leadership positions, including the presidential ticket.
- Eddy Olufeso, a former national Vice chairman, emphasized the PDP's dedication to regaining its prime position in Nigerian politics, reinforced by its commitment to fair-mindedness in the political landscape.
