The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has begun what many analysts are describing as a defining moment in its political journey, as prominent leaders and stakeholders converge on the party’s national secretariat in Abuja for its 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
The high-powered session, scheduled to kick off at 2 p.m. on Monday, is drawing a formidable lineup of governors, former ministers, party veterans, and influential figures, including former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, and former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana.
In a statement on its official X handle, the PDP disclosed that the NEC would deliberate on critical issues central to the party’s future, including the much-anticipated report of the National Zoning Committee and preparations for the party’s national convention slated for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The secretariat was charged with excitement as members sang solidarity songs and cheered the arrival of party bigwigs. The meeting is widely seen as part of the PDP’s renewed strategy to reposition itself as the credible alternative to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Today’s meeting reflects the PDP’s shared vision and determination to deliver for Nigerians in 2027,” the party declared.
The Zoning Committee, chaired by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, with Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal as vice chairman and Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang as secretary, was constituted in July to balance the distribution of the 19 National Working Committee (NWC) positions between the North and South.
At last Thursday’s stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, southern PDP leaders reached a delicate compromise:
South-South secured the Deputy National Chairman and National Publicity Secretary slots.
South-West clinched the National Secretary and National Auditor positions.
South-East took the Deputy National Secretary and Financial Secretary offices.
With the endorsement of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the influential National Secretary post was micro-zoned to Oyo, while Akwa Ibom State was handed the Publicity Secretary seat.
The current acting NWC, led by Ambassador Umar Damagum, is expected to step aside as its tenure expires in December. To avoid internal wrangling and maintain cohesion, the party’s 101st NEC meeting in July approved the November convention, appointing Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri as Chairman, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke as Vice Chairman, and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah as Secretary of the Convention Planning Committee.
The outcome of today’s NEC deliberations is expected to shape the PDP’s internal unity, organizational structure, and strategic positioning as it eyes a comeback in 2027.
PIONEER NEWS 