Paragraph 1: PDP’s Decision to Retain Chairmanship in the North
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has decided to keep its national chairmanship position within the Northern region of Nigeria. This decision follows the recommendation of the party’s zoning committee, which proposed maintaining the current regional distribution of the 19 national offices. A high-ranking party official revealed that this recommendation is set to be formally presented and approved during the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. The 44-member zoning committee, inaugurated in August, was tasked with ensuring fairness in allocating these crucial positions. The committee’s work carries significant weight as its recommendations not only determine the distribution of party offices but also potentially signal the geopolitical zone from which the PDP’s 2027 presidential candidate might emerge.
Paragraph 2: Zoning’s Historical Impact on the PDP
Zoning has been a long-standing practice within the PDP, influencing the allocation of party positions, including the presidential ticket. This practice has had a varied impact on the party’s electoral fortunes, sometimes leading to success and other times contributing to internal conflicts. Recently, the PDP experienced a major crisis leading up to the 2023 presidential election. This rift stemmed from disagreements over the party’s presidential candidate, with some members arguing that the South should have been favored after President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure. The crisis ultimately resulted in the removal of the then-National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, and the subsequent appointment of Umar Damagum as Acting National Chairman.
Paragraph 3: The Zoning Committee’s Recommendation and Rationale
The zoning committee, after extensive consultations with party leaders across the country, reached a consensus to maintain the status quo regarding the regional distribution of NWC positions. This decision was driven by a desire to promote unity within the party, especially in the aftermath of the recent internal crisis. Party officials believe that reassigning offices at this juncture would be disruptive and counterproductive to the ongoing reconciliation efforts. The focus, instead, is on achieving internal cohesion and then proceeding with “macro zoning” within each region to determine the specific allocation of positions.
Paragraph 4: Potential Candidates and the 2027 Presidential Ticket
While the chairmanship is confirmed to remain in the North, the question of the 2027 presidential ticket remains open. Though there’s speculation that it might be zoned to the South, no official decision has been made. Party leaders emphasize the need to prioritize rebuilding and strengthening the PDP before focusing on the 2027 elections. Meanwhile, several names are being discussed for the position of national chairman, with former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Jerry Gana, emerging as a prominent contender. Many party stakeholders are reportedly supporting Gana’s candidacy.
Paragraph 5: Official Confirmation and Youth Leaders’ Appeal
Official confirmation of the zoning committee’s recommendations is expected at the upcoming NEC meeting. Party spokespersons have remained tight-lipped, declining to comment on the matter until the official announcement. Concurrently, the Forum of Peoples Democratic Party Youth Leaders has urged the NWC to ensure that all zones complete their congresses before the upcoming national convention. This, they believe, is crucial for a smooth and successful convention. The youth leaders also stressed the importance of reconciling all factions within the party to foster unity and ensure a collaborative approach to the convention’s planning and execution.
Paragraph 6: The Path Forward for the PDP
The PDP stands at a critical juncture. Its decision to maintain the current zoning arrangement reflects a prioritization of internal unity and stability. The upcoming NEC meeting will formalize this decision and potentially offer insights into the party’s strategy for the 2027 elections. The selection of a new national chairman will be a significant step in this process. The party’s ability to navigate these internal decisions effectively and present a united front will be crucial for its future electoral prospects. The call for reconciliation and inclusivity from the youth leaders underscores the importance of a collaborative approach to rebuilding and strengthening the party. The PDP’s success in achieving these goals will significantly shape its future political landscape.
