As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prepares for its national elective convention scheduled for August 28–30, 2025, governors and top party leaders are working behind the scenes to maintain the existing North-South zoning arrangement of its National Working Committee (NWC).
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
Multiple party sources who spoke to newsmen under condition of anonymity revealed that while the overall zoning formula would remain unchanged, there are strong indications that the party would adopt micro-zoning to rotate specific national offices among different states within the same geopolitical zones.
The tenure of the current NWC, led by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, expires in December. However, to reduce internal tensions and resolve lingering leadership disputes, the 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on May 27 approved an early national convention in Kano this August.
As part of the preparations, the NEC ratified the formation of a zoning committee to guide the distribution of the 19 national party offices. The committee is chaired by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, with Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal serving as Vice Chairman, and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang as Secretary.
In addition, the National Convention Committee is chaired by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke as Vice Chairman, and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah as Secretary.
A high-ranking party source told The PUNCH that all 19 NWC positions would be filled by new individuals.
“We are holding this convention earlier than scheduled to stabilise the party and prepare for the 2027 general elections. Consultations are ongoing to ensure the process is peaceful and widely accepted,” the source said.
He noted that while the current zoning pattern between the North and South would be retained, no state would keep the same office it currently occupies.
“For example, the national chairman will still come from the North, likely from the North Central zone, given that Iyorchia Ayu’s tenure ended prematurely. However, it will not return to Benue State. Likewise, the national secretary will remain in the South East, but not in Imo State,” the source explained.
The national organising secretary, legal adviser, and other key roles will follow a similar micro-zoning pattern, excluding states that currently occupy the posts from retaining them.
Another party insider said the rotation is aimed at injecting fresh leadership into the party’s structure.
“The idea is to bring in new energy and fresh leadership. While the broader North-South formula remains intact, new states will take over key roles to promote inclusiveness and reduce dominance by any single state,” he said.
Efforts to reach Governor Diri for comment were unsuccessful as calls to his Chief Press Secretary went unanswered.
However, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, confirmed that consultations were still ongoing and that it would be premature to disclose the committee’s conclusions.
“There are multiple layers of consultation happening across the party organs. At the NEC, the NWC was mandated to start these engagements, and that process is well underway,” he said.
He assured that all necessary information would be made public once the internal consultations are concluded.
As stipulated in Chapter 4, Part VIII of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended), the National Working Committee consists of 19 members, including the national chairman, secretary, treasurer, organising secretary, publicity secretary, legal adviser, youth leader, woman leader, financial secretary, and national vice chairmen, among others.
The NWC is responsible for the day-to-day management of the party and is accountable to the National Executive Committee.
With the party facing the twin challenges of rebuilding after its 2023 general election defeat and preparing for 2027, the upcoming convention is seen as a critical step toward internal cohesion and strategic reorientation.
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209.
_______________________________________________________________________
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
Bonus:
Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.
How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626
________________________________________________________________________ The Law And Practice Of Redundancy In Nigeria: A Practitioner’s Guide, Authored By A Labour & Employment Law Expert Bimbo Atilola
_______________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
