Breaking from its 2023 approach of throwing the presidential ticket open, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has now zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South. This decision aligns with the resolution reached on Wednesday by the party’s founding fathers. The PDP also announced a change in venue for its upcoming Elective National Convention, moving it from Kano to Ibadan, Oyo State—a move that could further strain relations between supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. The zoning recommendation, which was adopted during the 101st meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) held Thursday in Abuja, is widely seen as boosting Makinde’s influence within the party, particularly in light of his rumored presidential ambitions. Analysts believe the decision could undermine Wike’s standing in the party hierarchy. Presided over by Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, the NEC meeting drew top PDP leaders to deliberate on issues central to party unity and preparations for the 2027 general elections. Despite a wave of defections to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Damagum expressed optimism about the PDP’s prospects, noting that many defectors had since returned to the party. Echoing this sentiment, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara, said more former members would likely return—provided the party delivers purposeful and inspiring leadership at its forthcoming national convention. Similarly, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, affirmed the party’s readiness to reintegrate returnees and rebuild its strength ahead of the next electoral cycle.