The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday confirmed Umar Damagum as its substantive National Chairman and resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South. The announcements came during the party’s 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
Damagum, who has served as Acting National Chairman for over a year, was formally elevated to substantive chairman ahead of the National Elective Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. The party’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, administered the oath of office to him.
Addressing journalists after the NEC meeting, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba disclosed that the party also decided to retain the current zoning structure for the National Working Committee while allocating the 2027 presidential ticket to the South.
Ologunagba stated, ”NEC recommended that the North and South should retain their current NWC positions.
“NEC also resolved that since the National Chairman of the party is zoned to the North, the PDP 2027 Presidential ticket is hereby zoned to the South.”
Party insiders described the twin decisions as an effort to maintain internal balance and ensure fair representation across the party, while also positioning it strategically for the 2027 general elections.
Analysts noted that confirming Damagum as chairman and zoning the presidential ticket simultaneously signals a consolidation of leadership and a clear roadmap ahead of the party’s elective convention, reinforcing PDP’s cohesion and planning for the next general election cycle.