By Atoyebi Nike
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, positioning Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and possibly Peter Obi as leading challengers to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The decision was reached during the party’s 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Monday, where Umar Damagum was also confirmed as the substantive National Chairman.
Briefing journalists, PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba said the NEC adopted the recommendations of its zoning committee, chaired by Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri. The move retains all current national offices in their zones while reserving the presidency for the South.
The NEC further approved that the party’s national elective convention will hold in Ibadan on November 15-16, 2025.
Former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, who led the G-5 revolt in 2023, said the PDP had corrected its past mistake of fielding both a northern candidate and chairman.
But the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the development, with its publicity director Bala Ibrahim declaring Tinubu unbeatable in 2027 regardless of PDP’s zoning.
Analysts note the zoning gives Governor Makinde a strategic opening, while discussions continue over whether Labour Party’s 2023 candidate Peter Obi could rejoin the PDP.
Critics such as former presidential aspirant Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim argue the move may inadvertently divide opposition support in the South, strengthening Tinubu’s re-election prospects.
The PDP has battled zoning controversies since 2015, but party leaders say the latest decision signals a new commitment to unity, internal democracy, and electoral readiness ahead of 2027.
