THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday commenced its highly anticipated 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, with party stalwarts, governors, and former ministers turning up in large numbers.
News Point Nigeria reports that among the early arrivals were the party’s former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, and former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, both of whom received a rousing welcome from party members and supporters gathered at Wadata Plaza.
The meeting, scheduled to begin at 3pm, comes at a critical time as the PDP moves to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The session is expected to deliberate on sensitive issues, including the report of the National Zoning Committee and preparations for the party’s national convention billed for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a statement via its official X handle, the PDP said Monday’s gathering underscores the party’s renewed focus and shared determination to reclaim power.
“Today’s meeting reflects the PDP’s shared vision and determination to deliver for Nigerians in 2027,” the party noted.
The zoning committee, which was constituted in July, is chaired by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, with Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal as Vice Chairman and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang as Secretary.
The committee’s mandate is to distribute the 19 National Working Committee (NWC) positions between the North and the South. Already, the Southern bloc of the party has taken major steps, with a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos last Thursday resolving to allocate:
Deputy National Chairman and National Publicity Secretary — South-South
National Secretary and National Auditor — South-West
Deputy National Secretary and Financial Secretary — South-East
At the same meeting, and with the strong backing of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the powerful position of National Secretary was micro-zoned to Oyo State, while Akwa Ibom State secured the Publicity Secretary slot.
The NEC is also expected to ratify plans for the November national convention, a crucial event that will usher in a new NWC and avert looming internal cracks.
The tenure of the current acting NWC, led by Ambassador Umar Damagum, expires in December.
To forestall internal wrangling, the party’s 101st NEC meeting in July approved the Ibadan convention, with Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri named as Convention Chairman, Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke as Vice Chairman, and Enugu Governor Peter Mbah as Secretary.
The atmosphere around the national secretariat was electrifying on Monday, with party loyalists chanting songs and cheering as leaders made their way into the venue.
A Party official told News Point Nigeria that the session could mark a turning point for the PDP, which has battled internal crises and electoral setbacks since losing power in 2015.
The official believes the outcomes of today’s deliberations, particularly on zoning and leadership restructuring, will play a decisive role in shaping the PDP’s strategy and unity heading into the 2027 polls.