PDP Inaugurates 46-Member Zoning Committee Ahead of National Convention

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally inaugurated a 46-member National Elective Convention Zoning Committee as part of preparations for its upcoming national convention. The committee will play a critical role in determining the zoning arrangement for key party positions, a move the leadership describes as essential to ensuring unity, fairness, and inclusivity within the party ahead of major political decisions.

The inauguration ceremony took place on Thursday at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza in Abuja, with Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri appointed as Chairman of the committee.

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“We Will Be Fair and Consultative” – Diri

In his acceptance speech, Governor Diri promised a broad-based approach that will take into account the interests and concerns of members across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

“We will be consultative, we will partner, and we will be inclusive in ensuring that we arrive at a fair and just zoning formula for our party,” Diri assured party leaders. He emphasized that the committee’s goal is not just to divide positions but to do so in a way that strengthens the PDP’s internal cohesion and electoral readiness.

The committee has been given until August 25 to submit its formal report, which is expected to outline the recommended distribution of leadership roles ahead of the convention.

Committee Composition

The 46-member body reflects a mix of governors, party officials, and senior stakeholders. In addition to Governor Diri as Chairman, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal will serve as Vice Chairman, while Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang will act as Secretary.

The composition has been widely welcomed within the party as balanced and representative, with members drawn from different regions to reflect the PDP’s national character.

No Formal Talks with Peter Obi—PDP Clarifies

Amid speculation about potential political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections, the PDP leadership has denied holding official talks with former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi or any other presidential aspirant.

The clarification follows remarks by PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba during a media briefing on Wednesday, in which he mentioned Obi’s name in the context of political speculation.

Party officials explained that Ologunagba’s reference was “more of a rhetorical statement” responding to repeated public speculation and should not be interpreted as confirmation of actual negotiations. “It is erroneous to take it in a literal sense,” a senior party source said, stressing that no formal discussions had taken place.

Zoning: A Strategic Step Towards Party Renewal

Speaking at the event, PDP National Organising Secretary Alhaji Bature Umar described the committee’s inauguration as a strategic move aimed at reinvigorating the party. He noted that zoning has historically been a key mechanism for ensuring inclusivity and balance within the PDP, helping to avoid internal friction and maintain unity ahead of major political contests.

By determining which regions will produce candidates for specific national offices, zoning also shapes the party’s convention dynamics and influences its electoral strategy.

Governors Express Confidence in Committee

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who also serves as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, expressed strong confidence in Governor Diri’s leadership and in the committee’s ability to deliver a result that reflects the aspirations of party members.

“Governor Diri and his team represent a fair cross-section of our great party. We are confident they will come up with recommendations that will strengthen our unity and prepare us for the battles ahead,” Mohammed said.

He urged all party members to cooperate fully with the committee, assuring that the PDP Governors’ Forum will give its full support to the process.

Context and Political Implications

The zoning exercise comes at a time when the PDP is seeking to rebuild its political strength following the 2023 general elections. Internal unity, strategic positioning, and possible alliances will be central to its efforts to challenge the ruling party in the next electoral cycle.

While zoning has sometimes been a source of contention within Nigerian political parties, it remains a widely accepted practice for managing the country’s ethnic and regional diversity. For the PDP, which prides itself on its “big tent” approach, the outcome of this committee’s work will influence not only its national leadership structure but also its presidential ticket strategy for 2027.

Party insiders say the convention will likely serve as a major platform for repositioning the PDP as a credible alternative to the current administration, with zoning decisions playing a decisive role in shaping alliances and public perception.

As the August 25 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Governor Diri and his team to produce a formula that satisfies the party’s diverse power blocs while keeping the PDP competitive on the national stage.