The Peoples Democratic Party has officially announced the zoning arrangement for its key national offices ahead of its November 16 National Convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The decision was reached after a series of meetings by the party’s governors and stakeholders to ensure equitable representation among the six geopolitical zones.
According to the approved list, the position of National Chairman has been zoned to the North West while the South West will produce the National Secretary. The North Central is assigned the Deputy National Chairman for the North, along with other positions including the National Treasurer and Deputy National Financial Secretary. Party sources said the zoning was part of efforts to create balance and strengthen internal unity ahead of the convention.
A senior member of the PDP National Executive Committee was quoted as saying, “This arrangement is to give every zone a sense of belonging and to prevent unnecessary internal competition before the convention.” He added that the zoning also aligns with the leadership’s decision to maintain the existing north south rotation policy.
The report also indicates that the arrangement may have foreclosed the chances of former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, who had been eyeing the chairmanship position, as the office has now been firmly reserved for the North West. Among those being considered for the top role are former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau and ex Kaduna Governor Ahmed Makarfi, both influential figures within the party.
In addition, the Deputy National Chairman for the South has been zoned to the South South region, while other complementary offices have been distributed in a similar fashion. The PDP’s National Convention Organising Committee also announced an extension of the deadline for submission of nomination forms and screening of aspirants to accommodate all contestants.
The zoning decision is viewed by analysts as a strategic move to calm tensions and unify the party ahead of the crucial convention. One PDP leader noted that “what the party needs now is stability and cohesion as it rebuilds towards 2027.”
