PDP NEC Ratifies Damagum as National Chairman, Zones 2027 Presidency to South

T The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday, August 25, 2025, held its 102nd meeting in Abuja where key resolutions were made on the future of the party and preparations for its forthcoming National Convention.

The NEC expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness of the party’s structures for the 2025 Elective National Convention scheduled to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025. It also commended the efforts and commitment of the PDP Governors’ Forum, the Board of Trustees, the National Working Committee (NWC), the National Assembly Caucus, and other relevant bodies working towards the success of the event.

After deliberations, the NEC approved the report of the National Convention Zoning Committee which resolved that all PDP national offices currently held in the North and South should remain in their respective regions. It further zoned the party’s 2027 presidential ticket to the Southern region following the retention of the National Chairmanship in the North. NEC also directed that micro-zoning of positions within each region should begin immediately.

The NEC received updates from the Constitution Amendment Committee and directed that the draft amendments be circulated to organs and chapters of the party for further inputs. In recognition of his role in stabilizing the party, the NEC ratified Amb. Iliya Umar Damagum as the substantive National Chairman of the PDP, effective from Monday, August 25, 2025, until the National Convention in November.

The meeting strongly condemned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over what it described as attempts at “state capture” through intimidation, coercion, and violence during recent bye-elections. It decried the militarization of polls, especially in Kaduna, Taraba, and Zamfara States, where excessive deployment of security forces was recorded during the conduct of a run-off election in just five polling units in Kaura Namoda South constituency.

The NEC accused the APC of attempting to impose a one-party state, warning that such actions posed a threat to democracy and Nigeria’s unity. It reassured Nigerians of the PDP’s commitment to defending democracy, protecting citizens’ interests, and working towards reclaiming power in 2027.

The meeting adjourned with the next NEC session fixed for Wednesday, October 15, 2025.