The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resolved to zone its presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections to the southern region of the country.
The decision was reached on Monday during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja.
As part of the resolutions, the NEC also confirmed that the chairmanship of the party will remain in the North, affirming Umar Damagum as the substantive national chairman.
Damagum, who had been serving in an acting capacity since March 2023, officially retained the position after the meeting. His rise to leadership came following a Benue State High Court ruling that upheld the removal of former chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu.
Prior to stepping into the acting chairmanship role, Damagum had served as the PDP’s Deputy National Chairman (North). His steady handling of the party through a turbulent period has now been rewarded with full confirmation by the NEC.
In his acceptance speech, Damagum expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party for the trust vested in him and the National Working Committee (NWC). He acknowledged the challenges the PDP faced during the period of leadership uncertainty, noting that steering the party through such trying times was a collective effort.
“Before now, I thought all we were doing was not being appreciated. This gesture is not just for me, but for the entire NWC. I owe it to them,” he said. He further added, “To have navigated this party this far, we came in at a time when things were very hard, but to the glory of God, we are still intact as one indivisible party.”
What you should know
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), one of Nigeria’s major political parties, has positioned itself for the 2027 elections by zoning its presidential ticket to the South while retaining Umar Damagum as its national chairman from the North.
This balancing of power reflects the party’s long-standing tradition of rotation between regions. Damagum, who has steered the PDP through a delicate phase since 2023, now officially leads the party into the next electoral cycle.
His confirmation signals stability within the PDP as it seeks to present a united front in preparation for the upcoming polls.
