The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, sparking controversy and debate among stakeholders.
According to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the decision was made during the 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, citing the party’s established principles of power rotation.
The PDP’s zoning decision means that the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election will come from the Southern region, while the party’s national chairmanship remains in the North.
Some PDP leaders are reportedly holding high-level consultations to get former President Goodluck Jonathan to run on the party’s ticket for the 2027 presidential race.
However, not everyone in the party agrees with the zoning decision. Presidential aspirant Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has declared that the party’s zoning of its 2027 presidential ticket to the South will not stand, insisting that the final decision lies with the national convention and not the NEC.
The PDP leadership has clarified that the decision to zone the presidential ticket to the South was not aimed at glorifying Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, but rather to strengthen the party and ensure stability.
With this development, several southern leaders are likely to vie for the party’s presidential ticket, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
The party’s Board of Trustees chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has cautioned that the party cannot win the 2027 presidential election through rhetoric alone, emphasizing the need for collective action and strategic planning.
Meanwhile, the APC has dismissed the PDP’s zoning decision, claiming that the party is destined for defeat in 2027 regardless of its presidential candidate or region.
