PDP Unveils 44-Member Zoning Committee Ahead of November Convention.
By Our Reporter.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially inaugurated a 44-member zoning committee tasked with determining the allocation of positions ahead of its upcoming national convention.
The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has scheduled the convention for November 15 and 16, where new members of the National Working Committee (NWC) will be elected.
The zoning committee’s role is to recommend the distribution of NWC offices across the country’s geopolitical zones, with the NEC expected to review and approve the final arrangement. Traditionally, if the chairmanship is allocated to the north, the presidential ticket will go to the south, and vice versa.
In 2021, the PDP zoned its chairmanship to the north, but in the following year, the presidential ticket was left open, leading to an unresolved internal crisis.
At the inauguration held at the party’s Abuja headquarters on Thursday, Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum emphasized the importance of equity and balance in the party’s decisions.
“This committee is the engine room where we lay the political foundation for the leadership of the PDP over the next four years. The decisions you make will shape our ability to serve Nigerians, win elections, and uphold the democratic values we represent,” Damagum stated.
“Our zoning process must reflect fairness, equity, and strategic thinking, while also strengthening our unity, rewarding loyalty, and preparing us for electoral victory.
“I trust that the zoning committee will approach its task with wisdom, foresight, and an understanding of the bigger picture: PDP above any personal interest.
“We operate in a dynamic political environment that is sometimes turbulent and always demanding the very best from us. Recently, we have faced leadership changes and the departure of some members who chose a different path.
“Yet we remain standing because the PDP is greater than any individual, stronger than any temporary setback, and destined to remain a central force in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“We need leaders of integrity, creativity, and capacity. We must select individuals who inspire confidence, can mobilize effectively, and resonate with the hopes of Nigerians. Committee members, please remember that the deputies are just as important as the principals.
“I speak from experience. I ran for and was elected to the position of National Deputy Chairman (North). Yet, due to political circumstances, I was thrust into the role of leading our great party nationally.”
**The full list of committee members is as follows:**
– Douye Diri — Chairman
– Dauda Lawal — Vice Chairman
– Caleb Muftwang — Secretary
– Kabiru Tanimu Turaki
– Lado Dan Marke
– Peter N. Jiya
– Isiak Salman
– Eddy Olafeso
– Monsurat Sumonu
– Bashiru Tokunbo Salami
– Hamza Akuyan Koshe
– Mohammed Imam
– Gebon T. Kataps
– Dan Ulasi
– Ikeje Asogwa
– Jones Onyereri
– Peter Mrakpo
– Emmanuel Ibiok
– Warman Ogoriba
– Nnena Ukeje
– Abdu Bulama
– Rita Orji
– Aliyu Idi Hong
– Sunday Solarin
– Duro Faseyi
– Ibrahim Dankwambo
– Mahe Dange
– Tony Aziegbemi
– Igwe Godwin Abeng
– Frank Owhor
– Isa Ahsiru
– Aminu Taura
– Kabiru Usman
– Francis Orogu
– Abraham Kwaghnguh
– Hassan Usman Sokodabo
– Kevin Chukwu
– Ibrahim Shekarau
– Ibrahim Tsauri
– Maryam Ciroma
– Zainab Kure
– Maxwell Okudo
– Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola
– Esther Uduehi