IN what is seen as a major turning point for Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), its National Executive Committee (NEC) on Monday confirmed Ambassador Umar Damagum as the party’s substantive National Chairman while unanimously zoning the 2027 presidential ticket to the South.
News Point Nigeria reports that the decisions were taken at the party’s 102nd NEC meeting held in Abuja, which was marked by intense deliberations and symbolic moments, including the brief suspension of proceedings to conduct Damagum’s swearing-in.
The oath of office was administered by the party’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade.
Damagum, who had been acting in the role since the suspension of Senator Iyorchia Ayu, was formally confirmed by the NEC in recognition of what leaders described as his “stability-driven stewardship.”
In his acceptance speech, the new chairman expressed gratitude to both the National Working Committee (NWC) and NEC for the confidence reposed in him.
“I sincerely thank my colleagues in the NWC for their support, which made my job easier, and I also thank NEC members for acknowledging our modest efforts in repositioning this great party,” Damagum said, promising to deepen internal unity and ensure PDP remains a formidable political force ahead of the next general elections.
Another defining decision of the day came with the ratification of the National Zoning Committee’s recommendations, led by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri. The committee advised that the party’s presidential ticket be zoned to the South, a move seen as a strategic balancing act within the PDP’s power-sharing framework.
National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, while briefing journalists on the outcome, stated that NEC resolved to maintain the current zoning arrangement between the North and South.
“With the National Chairman now from the North, NEC has unanimously agreed that the presidential ticket for the forthcoming election be zoned to the South.
“This decision is in line with our commitment to equity, justice, and fairness within the party,” Ologunagba said.
Party leaders described the NEC’s twin decisions as a sign of renewed stability within the PDP after months of internal wrangling.
A party official told News Point Nigeria that, stakeholders believe the move to zone the presidency to the South may recalibrate political calculations across the party, potentially energizing Southern aspirants while also consolidating Damagum’s legitimacy as leader.
The party’s elective national convention is scheduled for November 15th–16th in Ibadan, Oyo State, where these zoning arrangements will shape the broader leadership structure moving forward.
With Damagum now fully in charge, the PDP is expected to intensify grassroots mobilization and reconciliation efforts among its members.
The zoning of the presidency to the South is likely to ignite conversations among political heavyweights in the region, setting the stage for a keenly contested nomination race ahead of the 2027 general elections.
