The Peoples Democratic Party has inaugurated a 44-member zoning committee to determine the allocation of National Working Committee positions ahead of its National Elective Convention scheduled for November 15-16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum inaugurated the panel in Abuja on Thursday, emphasizing that the committee’s decisions would be crucial in shaping the party’s future and restoring public confidence through fair distribution of leadership positions.
Damagum highlighted the significance of the zoning exercise, noting that its outcome could also indicate which geopolitical zone will receive the PDP’s 2027 presidential ticket.
“From 2015 till date, disputes over zoning, whether for the presidential ticket or NWC positions, have consistently plunged our party into crisis,” Damagum stated, referencing historical conflicts that have weakened the party.
He recalled how zoning disputes contributed to the PDP’s electoral defeats, including the 2015 crisis when northern members opposed then-President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid, insisting on a northern candidate. This internal rift contributed to the party’s loss to the All Progressives Congress.
Similarly, in 2023, disagreements emerged when five governors led by then-Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike rejected Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy, despite a zoning committee chaired by Samuel Ortom throwing the presidential ticket open.
Damagum urged the committee to act with “wisdom, foresight, and fairness,” describing the zoning process as the “engine room” for establishing the PDP’s leadership foundation for the next four years.
“Our zoning process must reflect fairness, equity, and strategic thinking, strengthen our unity, reward loyalty, and position us for electoral victory. PDP over anyone, and PDP above any personal interest,” he declared.
The acting chairman, who rose from Deputy National Chairman (North) to his current position, emphasized that deputies are “just as important as principals” and stressed that loyalty must be combined with competence.
National Organising Secretary Umar Bature confirmed that the panel’s report will be presented to the National Executive Committee on August 25, describing the committee’s work as laying “the foundation for the PDP’s future.”
PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed assured the committee of full support from state governors, expressing optimism about the party’s prospects.
“The many years of APC administration have left woes, melancholy, hunger, and anger. Maybe the losses we suffered were to make us aware of our limitations so that we can do better,” Mohammed stated.
Committee Chairman and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri pledged a consultative and inclusive approach to delivering “a fair and just zoning formula.” Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal serves as Vice Chairman, while Plateau State Governor Caleb Muftwang acts as Secretary.
The committee’s work represents a critical step in the PDP’s preparation for both the November convention and the 2027 general elections, as the party seeks to resolve longstanding internal divisions over leadership positions.
