PDP inaugurates 44-member zoning committee, demands Wike’s total loyalty

Zoning at the Crossroads: PDP’s Strategic Gamble Ahead of 2027

As Nigeria’s leading opposition party, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) stands at a critical juncture. With the inauguration of a 44-member zoning committee ahead of its November 2025 National Elective Convention, the party is not just allocating offices, it’s laying the groundwork for its 2027 presidential ambitions.

The Committee’s Mandate

Chaired by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, the zoning committee has been tasked with recommending how National Working Committee (NWC) positions should be distributed across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. But beyond internal party roles, the committee’s decisions are widely expected to signal which region may produce the PDP’s next presidential candidate.

Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum emphasized the gravity of the assignment, calling zoning “the engine room” of the party’s leadership structure. “Our zoning process must reflect fairness, equity, and strategic thinking,” he said, urging members to prioritize unity and loyalty over personal ambition.

Strategic Implications

Presidential Ticket Direction

The committee’s zoning of the chairmanship could indirectly determine the region for the 2027 presidential ticket. Historically, PDP balances power by zoning the chairmanship and presidency to opposite regions. A northern chairmanship could pave the way for a southern presidential candidate, and vice versa.

Party Unity or Fragmentation

Zoning has long been a fault line within the PDP. In 2015, northern opposition to Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid fractured the party. In 2023, the decision to leave the presidential ticket open led to rebellion from five governors, including Nyesom Wike, and contributed to PDP’s loss to the APC. A fair zoning outcome could heal these wounds—or deepen them.

Defections and Realignments

Poorly handled zoning decisions have triggered defections in the past. After Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s removal as chairman in 2023, the rejection of North Central’s bid to nominate his replacement led to high-profile exits to the African Democratic Congress. The current committee must tread carefully to avoid repeating history.

Public Perception and Electoral Viability

With Nigeria’s electorate increasingly disillusioned, the PDP’s zoning decisions could either restore credibility or reinforce cynicism. A transparent and inclusive process may energize the base and position the party as a viable alternative to the ruling APC.

Risks and Challenges

• Micro-Zoning Conflicts: Even within zones, sub-regional rivalries (e.g., South East vs. South South) could complicate consensus.
• Delayed Decisions: The committee’s report is due August 25. Any postponement could derail preparations for the November convention.
• Wike Factor: The party has demanded “100% loyalty” from Wike amid his recent criticisms. If zoning doesn’t favor his camp, tensions could escalate.

Looking Ahead

The PDP zoning committee’s recommendations will shape not just the party’s internal structure, but its national relevance. As Governor Bala Mohammed noted, “Maybe the losses we suffered were to make us aware of our limitations so that we can do better.”

Whether the PDP emerges stronger or more divided will depend on the wisdom, foresight, and fairness of this committee’s decisions. The stakes couldn’t be higher.