PDP Zoning: Jonathan, Obi Get Greenlight as Party Moves 2027 Presidential Ticket to South
Story: Written by Okafor Joseph Senoir Editor Springnewsng
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a decision that clears the way for former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Anambra State governor Peter Obi to potentially contest under the party’s platform.
Both men were under pressure from supporters to run in 2023. With the new zoning arrangement approved by the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in Abuja on Tuesday, the opposition party now offers a formidable platform for their possible comeback bids.
Although Jonathan has not officially declared his ambition, allies insist he has agreed to return in 2027. His camp believes he enjoys broader northern acceptance, especially as he is constitutionally limited to serving only one four-year term.
Obi, who has built a strong national following, remains a polarizing figure. He has ties to both the Labour Party and the coalition-led African Democratic Congress (ADC). With internal divisions weakening Labour and uncertainty surrounding the ADC ticket, Obi’s supporters view the PDP as his best chance for a serious presidential run.
At the NEC meeting, the party also resolved that the position of national chairman would remain in the North, while presidential candidacy goes to the South.
Reading the communiqué, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba said:
“Having retained the position of the National Chairman in the Northern Region, the Presidential Candidate of the Party for the 2027 General Election is hereby zoned to the Southern Region. The Regions should immediately micro-zone positions within their Region for implementation.”
The NEC ratified Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagum as the substantive national chairman of the party, succeeding Dr. Iyorchia Ayu. Damagum pledged to unite and stabilize the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections, declaring: “No individual or faction is bigger than the party.”
The meeting also reviewed preparations for the party’s elective national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, while condemning the ruling APC for what it described as “state capture” through intimidation and violence in recent bye-elections.
PDP Governors’ Forum chairman, Bauchi State governor Bala Mohammed, warned of alleged plots by aggrieved members working with security agencies to derail the convention. However, he reassured stakeholders of the party’s unity and resilience.
The PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) also urged reconciliation, calling for defectors willing to return to be accepted in the spirit of unity.
Almost all PDP governors attended the NEC meeting, except Plateau State governor Caleb Mutfwang, who is in Brazil with President Bola Tinubu, and Enugu State governor Peter Mbah, who is hosting the NBA conference.
The next NEC meeting is scheduled for October 15, 2025.
