By Clifford Ndujihe, Dapo Akinrefon, Omeiza Ajayi, John Alechenu, Ibrahim Hassan & Luminous Jannamike
The decision of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South has triggered opposition across northern political blocs, raising fresh tensions in the build-up to the next general elections.
The PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC), at its 102nd meeting in Abuja on Monday, resolved that the South should produce the party’s next presidential candidate. The move, PDP leaders said, aligns with Nigeria’s unwritten rotation of power between North and South.
However, many northern stakeholders, particularly from the North-Central, have rejected the decision, describing it as unfair, unconstitutional, and a deliberate attempt to sideline the region.
Northern Stakeholders Cry Foul
The Joint Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations (JACON) described PDP’s zoning as “unjust, undemocratic, and a betrayal” of the North’s loyalty.
Ambassador Sani Yaya, JACON’s spokesperson, said:
“It is an undeniable historical fact that the North was short-changed during PDP’s 16 years in power. The South enjoyed the presidency for over 13 years, while the North only held it for two and a half years. Zoning the ticket back to the South in 2027 is a deliberate attempt to permanently sideline our region.”
JACON warned that the PDP risks losing its northern support base and vowed to mobilise its structures against the decision.
Similarly, the North-Central Renaissance Movement, led by Professor K’tso Nghargbu, rejected both PDP and APC’s zoning decisions. He argued that the North-Central had never produced a president or vice president in Nigeria’s civilian history and deserved fair consideration.
“The North-Central is the bridge builder of this country,” Nghargbu declared. “Any party that refuses to field a candidate from our region should not expect our votes.”
Internal Rifts in PDP
Notable voices within PDP remain divided.
- Former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, defended the zoning as an act of fairness, accusing northern opponents of “selfish manipulation.”
- PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, said the decision would unify the party and restore its credibility.
- On the other hand, the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) warned that zoning violates both the Nigerian Constitution and PDP’s constitution, insisting that it exposes the party to possible legal challenges.
Political Implications Ahead of 2027
The development has rekindled speculations around potential southern candidates. According to party insiders, names such as former President Goodluck Jonathan and Labour Party’s Peter Obi are being considered by some northern blocs as possible consensus candidates.
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) criticised both PDP and APC for zoning talks two years before elections, saying it proves politicians care more about power than solving Nigerians’ problems.
ADC spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, argued that PDP’s zoning move is a strategy to lure Obi, Jonathan, and Rotimi Amaechi back into its fold.
Obi’s Next Move?
The PDP decision has placed former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi at the centre of speculation. While Obi has not declared any intention to return to PDP, close allies revealed that consultations are ongoing.
Dr. Katch Ononuju, a founding member of the Obidient Movement, confirmed:
“Obi is still consulting. Many leaders are speaking to him, and he is speaking to them. Remember, his exit from PDP in 2023 was mainly because the party refused to zone the ticket to the South. Now that the zoning is back, conversations have resumed.”
⚖️ The Big Picture
With both PDP and APC zoning their 2027 tickets to the South while President Bola Tinubu seeks re-election, analysts warn that northern discontent could open space for third-party candidates — or revive Atiku Abubakar’s chances on another platform.
As 2027 draws closer, the zoning debate may become the defining battleline in Nigeria’s next presidential election.
