Amid growing tension over the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) zoning arrangement ahead of the 2027 elections, party chieftain and former Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Bode George, has confirmed that strategic efforts are ongoing to secure a southern presidential candidate.

George, in an interview with Punch, revealed that the party is quietly building consensus around credible southern figures who could fly the PDP’s flag against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Naijaonpoint reports that George stated, “That process of getting a southerner as presidential flagbearer of the party is on.

“In politics, there is no shutdown. We are going for a meeting this week, a make or break meeting if you like.”

While George and other Southern PDP leaders advocate for a shift of the presidential ticket to the South, some National Executive Committee members remain opposed, arguing that the party should prioritise electability and internal unity over regional considerations.

George acknowledged the zoning disagreements but stressed the importance of discretion and strategic timing in revealing potential candidates.

He said, “Arrangements are going on already, and there are quite some respectable, responsible people with good character, tested and proven.

“But it is too early to start throwing names up. If you do that now, you are looking for trouble.”

The development comes as the PDP grapples with a turbulent internal landscape following the exit of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and the emergence of a new opposition alliance under the African Democratic Congress