PDP sets up 44-member zoning committee ahead of November Convention

PDP Sets Stage for 2027: Zoning Committee Inaugurated Ahead of National Convention

In a strategic move aimed at reshaping its leadership and electoral fortunes, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has inaugurated a 44-member zoning committee ahead of its national convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025. The convention will elect new members to the National Working Committee (NWC), a critical organ in steering the party’s direction.

Purpose and Political Significance

The zoning committee is tasked with recommending how key leadership positions within the NWC should be distributed across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. This zoning tradition has long been a balancing act for the PDP, often signaling where the presidential ticket might be headed. Historically, if the chairmanship is zoned to the North, the presidential candidate emerges from the South, and vice versa.

This process is not merely administrative; it’s a strategic blueprint that could shape the PDP’s narrative and unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Leadership and Vision

Speaking at the committee’s inauguration in Abuja, Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum emphasized the importance of fairness, strategic foresight, and loyalty to the party’s ideals. He described the committee as the “engine room” for laying the foundation of PDP’s leadership over the next four years.

“Our zoning process must reflect fairness, equity, and strategic thinking, as well as strengthen our unity, reward loyalty, and position us for electoral victory,” Damagum stated.

He also stressed the importance of selecting leaders who inspire confidence, mobilize effectively, and resonate with the aspirations of Nigerians.

Healing Past Wounds

The PDP’s decision to leave its presidential ticket open in 2022, after zoning the chairmanship to the North in 2021, sparked internal tensions that remain unresolved. This new zoning committee is seen as a corrective measure to avoid similar pitfalls and foster cohesion within the party.

Committee Composition

The panel includes prominent figures from across the country, ensuring regional representation and inclusivity. Key members include:

• Douye Diri – Chairman
• Dauda Lawal – Vice Chairman
• Caleb Muftwang – Secretary

Other members span a wide spectrum of political experience and regional backgrounds, reinforcing the PDP’s commitment to national unity.

Implications for 2027

This zoning exercise is more than a procedural necessity, it’s a litmus test for PDP’s readiness to reclaim relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape. A well-executed zoning strategy could unify the party, energize its base, and present a compelling alternative to the ruling party.

As Nigeria’s political terrain remains dynamic and often turbulent, the PDP’s ability to navigate it with clarity and inclusiveness may well determine its fate in the next electoral cycle.