Despite internal divisions and growing disharmony, leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are intensifying efforts to foster unity and reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governors, national executives, and key stakeholders are converging on Zamfara State for a strategic meeting expected to shape the party’s direction as it prepares for its forthcoming national convention.
The session, to be hosted by Governor Dauda Lawal, will focus on reconciliation, harmonisation of interests, and the design of a robust electoral strategy aimed at reviving the PDP’s fortunes and energising its base.
Party sources disclosed that the Zamfara meeting will set the tone for the convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025. The governors, led by PDP Governors Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, began arriving in Gusau on Thursday.
In a statement, Governor Lawal’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, described the gathering as pivotal for the party’s future.
“Governor Dauda Lawal extends a warm welcome to his counterparts, the governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” the statement read.
“The meeting will provide an opportunity to deliberate on key political strategies, foster unity within the party, and collaborate on developmental initiatives across states.”
Meanwhile, the party’s Zoning Committee, chaired by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, has reportedly recommended that the 2027 presidential ticket should reflect the “mood of the nation,” a move widely interpreted as favouring a southern candidate.
Two committee members confirmed to THISDAY that a near-consensus has emerged in support of zoning the ticket to the South.
According to one member: “It is almost near consensus that the presidential candidate of the PDP for 2027 should reflect the mood of the nation.
We have competent presidential material from the South. Once this decision is adopted by the National Executive Committee (NEC) on Monday, you will start to see the calibre of presidential materials gradually coming out.”
At the same time, pressure is reportedly mounting on former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 election under the PDP banner.
The push for unity comes amid deep divisions, with rival factions loyal either to the PDP leadership and sitting governors or to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Wike’s camp recently rejected resolutions from the Southern Leaders’ Zoning Consultative Meeting held in Lagos.
Party elder and former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, has cautioned that the PDP must act decisively against internal sabotage if it hopes to remain a credible opposition force.
“In life, you have those that can be termed as progress terminators, and also success accelerators,” he said. “The difference between the PDP and the APC is as clear as a crystal.
In APC, there is only one man who can speak to the heart of the party: the president. In PDP, no individual owns the party. It is collective responsibility.”
George also stressed the importance of upholding the party’s zoning principles, which he said remain fundamental to national stability.
“There are six geopolitical zones, and six top positions in the country.
That was the understanding since 1998. Everybody must have a sense of belonging.
That is the difference between us and others,” he explained.
Calling for firm decisions at Monday’s NEC meeting, George declared: “This NEC meeting must extract all these misgivings, and if the party does not make a decisive decision, we will just go back and vote no.
Enough is enough.”
As the PDP attempts to reconcile its warring factions, leaders agree that the party’s survival as Nigeria’s leading opposition force depends on discipline, unity, and a clear strategy for 2027.
