2027 Presidency: Makinde Emerges as PDP Front-Runner

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, opening the door for Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other southern politicians to contest against President Bola Tinubu. The decision was taken at the party’s 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which also upheld the zoning formula for the November elective convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, and confirmed Umar Damagum as substantive National Chairman.

PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba said the NEC approved the report of the 44-member Zoning Committee, chaired by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, and commended the preparedness of the party’s structures for the 2025 National Convention. The communiqué emphasized that all national office positions currently held by northerners will remain in the North, and those held by southerners will remain in the South. With the chairmanship in the North, the party’s presidential candidate for 2027 is now zoned to the South.

The NEC also condemned the All Progressives Congress (APC) for what it described as “state-backed intimidation and militarization” during recent bye-elections, reiterating the PDP’s commitment to democracy and the welfare of Nigerians.

Former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike welcomed the zoning decision, saying it corrected the party’s previous error in 2022 when both the presidential candidate and the National Chairman were from the North, a situation he argued contributed to the PDP’s 2023 electoral defeat.

Meanwhile, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, is reportedly still considering whether to return to the PDP to pursue a 2027 bid. Obidient Movement National Coordinator Tanko Yunusa said Obi will make a decision after the November 8 governorship elections.

APC Director of Publicity Bala Ibrahim dismissed the PDP’s zoning move as irrelevant, insisting that President Tinubu would win re-election based on his national appeal and performance.

The PDP’s Bauchi State chapter expressed full support for the zoning arrangement, pledging loyalty to whoever emerges as the party’s flagbearer, whether Peter Obi, former President Goodluck Jonathan, or other southern contenders. Special Adviser to Governor Makinde, Dare Adeleke, stated that Makinde is well-positioned to clinch the PDP presidential ticket, citing his role in strengthening the party.

However, former PDP presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim criticized the zoning decision, warning that it could indirectly benefit President Tinubu’s re-election, describing the move as “unprecedented” in the party’s history.