National Convention: Gov Diri Heads PDP’s 44 Member Zoning Committee

By Ayodele Oni

The Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Iliya Damagum, on Thursday, inaugurated the National Convention Zoning Committee (NCZC) preparatory to the national Congress of the party.

The 44-member Zoning Committee, will primarily decide on the distribution of key positions in the party, including which zone of the country will fly its presidential flag at the 2027 polls.

The committee, which is chaired by Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, was inaugurated at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

In his address, the chairman charged members of the committee to ensure fairness in the exercise.

“The next National Working Committee must not only be representative, it should be visionary, courageous, and proactive. We need leaders of integrity, creativity, and capacity.

“We must place individuals who inspire confidence, mobilise effectively, and speak to the hopes of Nigerians.

“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.

“Please members of this committee, do keep in mind  that the deputies are just as important as the principals. I speak from experience. I ran for — and won — the position of National Deputy Chairman (North).

“Yet, due to political circumstances, I was thrust into the role of leading our great party nationally.

“It was a drastic and unexpected responsibility; one that demanded resilience, clarity, and decisive leadership. Because I was prepared, because I understood the weight of service, I was able to rise to the challenge and stand firm in the storm.

“Loyalty is the lifeblood of our party. Without it, unity is impossible. Yet loyalty alone is not enough, it must walk hand in hand with competence.

“As you consider zoning, picture the calibre of individuals who may emerge from each zone. Ask yourselves, Will this person embody the values and strength of the PDP in a way that makes us proud before the nation?

“Politics demands pragmatism, not sentiment; especially now, when the state of the economy has left many Nigerians disillusioned and disengaged from the democratic process. As a party, we should aim to make decisions that reignite hope and inspire confidence in our people.

“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.

“We operate in a dynamic political terrain, sometimes turbulent, always demanding the very best from us. In recent times, we have faced changes in leadership and the departure of some members who chose a different path.

“Yet we remain 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.”