As the tenure of the present National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ends in December 2025, the party on Thursday inaugurated a zoning committee that will allocate the party positions ahead of its national elective convention.
The 46-member committee is headed by the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, with his Zamfara and Plateau counterparts, Dauda Lawal and Barr. Caleb Muftwang as vice chairman and secretary respectively.
The committee is charged with the responsibility of scouting for a new leadership for the party at it’s zonal convention that will hold 15 -16th November in Ibadan, Oyo state.
The new leadership is expected the drive the process that will remove President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the Presidential village in 2027.
In his opening remarks during the inauguration,, the outgoing acting national chairman of the party, Amb. Umar Damagum told members of the committee that their task is similar to that of getting a new engine for the party. He expressed confidence that the committee will be fair while allocating positions to different zones in the country.
He said, “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 take will shape our ability to serve Nigerians, win elections, and defend the democratic values we represent.
“Our zoning process must reflect fairness, equity, and strategic thinking, as well as strengthen our unity, reward loyalty, and position us for electoral victory. I trust that the Zoning Committee will approach its task with wisdom, foresight, and a full understanding of the bigger picture: PDP over anyone, and PDP above any personal interest.
“We operate in a dynamic political terrain, sometimes turbulent, always demanding the very best from us. In recent times, we have faced challenges in leadership and the departure of some members who chose a different path. Yet we remained standing because the PDP is bigger than any individual, stronger than any momentary setback, and destined to remain a central force in Nigeria’s democratic journey.”
Damagum noted that the next NWC must not only be representative but visionary, courageous, and proactive. He stressed that people who will occupy position of deputies must have leadership qualities as their principal.
