The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Monday, 25, 2025, held its 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, where key resolutions were reached on the party’s leadership, zoning arrangement, and preparations for the 2027 general election.
In a communique issued at the end of the meeting and presented by the party National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the NEC ratified the appointment of Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagum as the substantive National Chairman of the party. Damagum, who had served in acting capacity since 2023, will continue to lead the PDP until the party’s elective national convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The NEC also approved the report of the National Convention Zoning Committee, which retained existing zoning arrangements for national offices.
It further resolved that the presidential ticket of the party for the 2027 election would be zoned to the Southern region, while the National Chairman’s position remains in the North. The regions were directed to immediately micro-zone positions within their blocs for implementation.
On preparations for the forthcoming convention, the NEC expressed satisfaction with the level of readiness across party organs, chapters, and structures, while commending the efforts of the PDP Governors’ Forum, the Board of Trustees, the National Working Committee (NWC), and other stakeholders for their commitment to ensuring a successful outing in Ibadan.
The meeting also received updates from the PDP Constitution Amendment Committee, directing that the draft amendments be circulated to party organs and chapters for further input.
Meanwhile, the PDP leadership strongly criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of “state capture” through intimidation, inducement, and coercion during recent bye-elections in parts of the country.
The NEC particularly condemned the alleged militarisation of polls in Kaduna, Taraba, and Zamfara States, describing the deployment of heavy security for a run-off in just five polling units in Kaura Namoda South Constituency as excessive and undemocratic.
“This action by the APC is a confirmation of its desire to turn our country into a totalitarian one-party state, which poses a clear and present danger to democracy and the corporate existence of Nigeria,” the communique stated.
Reassuring Nigerians of its commitment to democracy, the PDP vowed to defend the rights and welfare of citizens while working to reposition the party to reclaim power in 2027.
The NEC adjourned its next meeting (103rd session) to Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
