PDP NEC Ratifies Damagum as National Chairman, Zones 2027 Presidential Ticket to South
PDP NEC— The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially confirmed Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagum as the substantive National Chairman of the party while zoning its 2027 presidential ticket to the Southern region of Nigeria.
These resolutions were obtained from the outcome of the PDP’s 102nd NEC meeting, which held on Monday, August 25, 2025, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
In a communiqué presented by the National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, and reported by PulseNets, the NEC reviewed the state of the party, preparations for its forthcoming elective convention, and the broader political climate across the country.
Key Highlights from the NEC Meeting
The NEC expressed satisfaction with the level of readiness across party organs, state chapters, and other structures ahead of the PDP Elective National Convention. The event, PulseNets learnt, is scheduled to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, between November 15 and 16, 2025.
The committee commended the steadfastness of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Board of Trustees (BoT), National Working Committee (NWC), National Assembly Caucus, and other strategic bodies, noting their commitment to ensuring the convention’s success.
Zoning of Party Offices and 2027 Presidency
According to details obtained by PulseNets:
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All current national offices in the North remain zoned to the North.
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All national offices in the South remain zoned to the South.
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With the national chairmanship now retained in the North, the PDP presidential ticket for the 2027 elections has been formally zoned to the South.
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Regions have been directed to immediately begin micro-zoning within their zones to ensure wider inclusivity.
NEC also received updates from the Constitution Amendment Committee and directed that its draft document be circulated for broader consultation across party organs and chapters.
Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagum, who had been serving in an acting capacity, was ratified as the substantive National Chairman of the PDP until the November convention. This decision, PulseNets learnt, was unanimously endorsed by NEC members.
The PDP NEC strongly condemned what it described as the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) “state capture” strategy. It accused the ruling party of relying on intimidation, inducement, coercion, and violence to undermine recent bye-elections.
The committee also decried the militarization of elections in Kaduna, Taraba, and Zamfara States. PulseNets learnt that in Kaura Namoda South Constituency, for instance, security personnel were excessively deployed, creating tension and voter suppression.
NEC warned that the APC’s conduct reflects a deliberate agenda to drag Nigeria into what it termed a “totalitarian one-party state.” The communiqué described this as “a grave danger to Nigeria’s democracy and national stability.”
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The opposition party reiterated its pledge to protect the interests of Nigerians, safeguard democratic institutions, and reposition itself to reclaim power in the 2027 general elections.
PulseNets also learnt that the PDP has scheduled its 103rd NEC meeting for Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
