The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says its decision to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South will help reunite aggrieved members and strengthen the party ahead of the next general elections.

Speaking on Arise Television on Monday, the PDP’s South-South National Vice Chairman, Emmanuel Ogidi, expressed optimism that the move would encourage many estranged members to return to the fold.

“We know that because of that decision taken yesterday, a lot of our members will come back. So let’s wait for that part,” he said.

Ogidi explained that the zoning structure, approved by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), had been widely accepted across the country. He added that while names such as former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Anambra Governor Peter Obi are being speculated as potential aspirants, the party’s immediate focus is on its national convention scheduled for November 15–16.

He further revealed that the zoning decision was the outcome of extensive consultations by the PDP’s zoning committee, describing it as a major step toward healing internal rifts.

“The truth of the matter is that right now, we are concerned with our convention, not the presidential, because it’s still a long way to go,” he noted.

The PDP hopes the move will not only unify its members but also position the party strongly ahead of the 2027 elections.