The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria, while the office of the national chairman will remain in the North.

The resolution was reached at the party’s 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, held on Monday at its national headquarters in Abuja.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the decision followed the recommendations of the Governor Douye Diri-led National Convention Zoning Committee.

According to Ologunagba, after extensive deliberation, the NEC approved the following recommendations:

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

• All PDP national offices currently in the South remain in the South.

• With the position of national chairman retained in the North, the presidential candidate for the 2027 election is zoned to the South.

• Each zone should immediately micro-zone positions within its jurisdiction for implementation.

He also confirmed that Umar Damagum has been ratified as the substantive national chairman until the party’s elective convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, scheduled for 15–16 November.

“In recognition of the efforts of the National Working Committee (NWC) under Damagum’s leadership in stabilising the party, NEC has ratified and confirmed his appointment as substantive national chairman, effective from today, 25 August, until the convention,” Ologunagba said.

The NEC also received an update from the Constitution Amendment Committee and directed it to circulate the draft amendments to various organs and chapters of the party for further input.

The meeting further expressed satisfaction with preparations for the 2025 elective national convention in Ibadan and commended the efforts of PDP governors, the Board of Trustees, the NWC, the National Assembly caucus, and other party organs.

However, the NEC condemned alleged intimidation, inducement, coercion, and violence during recent by-elections in parts of the country, particularly criticising what it described as the “militarisation” of polls in Kaduna, Taraba and Zamfara States.

Ologunagba reassured Nigerians of the PDP’s commitment to democracy and to defending the interests and wellbeing of all citizens as the party works towards regaining power in 2027.

The NEC adjourned to meet again on Wednesday, 15 October.