Ahead of the national elective convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scheduled for August, governors and senior party members are working to maintain the existing zoning structure of the National Working Committee (NWC). Sources within the party, who requested anonymity, revealed that while the current zoning arrangement is likely to be upheld, there is openness to further micro-zoning within established zones.
With the tenure of the current NWC, led by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, set to conclude in December, the 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting approved an early national convention to take place from August 28 to August 30, 2025. This decision aims to alleviate ongoing tensions within the party.
During the same meeting, the NEC ratified the formation of a zoning committee tasked with allocating the 19 national party offices in preparation for the convention. The committee will be chaired by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, with Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal as Vice Chairman and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang as Secretary.
The National Convention Committee will be led by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke as Vice Chairman and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah as Secretary.
Sources indicated that efforts are underway to ensure that the 19 NWC members elected in August will assume their positions for the first time. “Consultations are ongoing to ensure the convention is free of conflict,” one source said. “We are holding an early convention to address the leadership crisis and refocus the party.”
The convention aims to usher in new leaders who can stabilize the party. The zoning committee has begun consultations with other governors and party stakeholders, with a majority favoring the retention of the current zoning arrangement. The next national chairman is expected to come from the North, likely the North Central region, while other key positions will be assigned based on a similar zoning pattern.
While the existing North-South division of party offices will be maintained, specific positions will be rotated among different states within each zone. “No state will retain the same position it currently holds in the next administration,” a source confirmed.
PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba acknowledged that consultations are still ongoing and promised further details will be disclosed at the appropriate time. The PDP’s constitution specifies that the NWC is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the party and must act on behalf of the NEC in emergencies, with functions assigned by the NEC.
