Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagum, says the party’s zoning strategy ahead of its National Congress will be guided by fairness, equity, and strategic thinking, with the goal of strengthening unity, rewarding loyalty, and positioning the PDP for victory in future elections.

Damagum spoke on Thursday while inaugurating the 44-member National Convention Zoning Committee, tasked with determining the distribution of party leadership positions ahead of the PDP’s National Congress slated for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. The congress will usher in a new National Working Committee (NWC) to lead the party for the next four years.

Describing the zoning committee as the “engine room” of the PDP, Damagum said the decisions taken would directly impact the party’s ability to win elections and uphold democratic values.

“The PDP is bigger than any individual, stronger than any temporary setback, and destined to remain a central force in Nigeria’s democratic journey,” he declared.

He urged the incoming NWC to be visionary, courageous, and proactive, with leaders who inspire confidence, mobilize effectively, and speak to the aspirations of Nigerians.

Damagum stressed that loyalty and competence must guide the zoning process:

“Loyalty is the lifeblood of our party, but loyalty alone is not enough — it must go hand in hand with competence. Politics demands pragmatism, not sentiment, especially now when Nigerians need hope restored.”

Committee Leadership & Support

The committee is chaired by Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, with Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara as Deputy Chairman and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State as Secretary. Other members include senior party leaders such as Kabiru Tanimu Turaki and 40 others.

Governor Diri promised an inclusive and consultative approach to arriving at a fair and just zoning formula.

Also speaking, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, reaffirmed the governors’ backing of the NWC, describing the PDP as Nigeria’s credible alternative.

“All the tangible democratic dividends Nigerians enjoy were delivered by the PDP. The years under the APC have brought hardship, hunger, and disillusionment,” Bala Mohammed said, pledging support for leadership recruitment that unites the country and restores public confidence.

With zoning decisions now underway, party stakeholders say the PDP is positioning itself to reclaim political dominance and provide Nigerians with a tested and experienced alternative.