The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has inaugurated a 44-member zoning committee ahead of its National Elective Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, while inaugurating the panel in Abuja on Thursday, said the committee’s decisions would shape the party’s future, restore public confidence, and ensure fairness in the allocation of National Working Committee positions.
Naijaonpoint reports that Damagum noted that the outcome of the zoning exercise could also indicate which geopolitical zone would get 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,” he said.
He recalled that in 2015, northern members opposed then-President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid, insisting on a northern ticket, a rift that contributed to the PDP’s loss to the APC.
In 2023, another disagreement 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 ticket open.
‘Urging the committee to act with “wisdom, foresight, and fairness,” Damagum said the zoning process was the “engine room” for laying 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 stated.
Damagum, who rose from Deputy National Chairman (North) to acting chairman, told members that deputies are “just as important as principals” and stressed that loyalty must be matched with competence.
National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, said the panel’s work would “lay the foundation for the PDP’s future” and confirmed that its report would be presented to the National Executive Committee on August 25.
PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, assured members of full support from governors.
“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,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the 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, is the Secretary.
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