a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the NEC also approved that the party’s 2027 presidential ticket be zoned to the Southern region, while national party offices would remain in their current regional allocations.
The NEC expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness across the party’s organs, chapters, and structures for its 2025 Elective National Convention, scheduled to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, between Saturday, November 15, and Sunday, November 16, 2025. It also commended the efforts of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Board of Trustees (BoT), National Working Committee (NWC), National Assembly Caucus, and other organs of the party toward ensuring the success of the convention.
Zoning Decision and Leadership Ratification
After deliberating on the report of the National Convention Zoning Committee, the NEC resolved that:
- All current national party offices in the North will remain in the North.
- All current national party offices in the South will remain in the South.
- With the national chairmanship retained in the North, the presidential ticket for the 2027 elections is zoned to the South.
- Each region should micro-zone positions internally for implementation.
In recognition of his stabilizing role, the NEC formally ratified Damagum’s appointment as substantive National Chairman until the Ibadan convention in November.
Constitution Amendment and Next Steps
The NEC also received updates from the Constitution Amendment Committee and directed that the draft amendments be circulated to all party organs and chapters for further input.
Condemnation of APC and Electoral Militarization
The NEC strongly condemned what it described as the “state capture” agenda of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that the party deployed intimidation, inducement, and violence during recent bye-elections.
Specifically, it criticized the militarization of the polls in Kaduna, Taraba, and Zamfara states, where heavy security presence was reported in just five polling units in Kaura Namoda South constituency. The NEC warned that such actions by the APC amounted to a “clear and present danger” to Nigeria’s democracy and risked turning the country into a one-party state.
Commitment to Democracy
Reassuring Nigerians of its dedication to democratic values, the PDP NEC vowed to continue defending the interests of citizens while repositioning itself to reclaim power in the 2027 general elections.
The NEC adjourned its sitting and scheduled its 103rd meeting for Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
