The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially declared that the race for its 2027 presidential ticket is open to all interested aspirants from the southern part of Nigeria.
This inclusive stance specifically clears the path for former President Goodluck Jonathan and other prominent southern leaders to vie for the party’s nomination.
Politics Nigeria reports that the National Chairman of the PDP, Tanimu Turaki, made this strategic disclosure during a high-profile visit to the Abuja residence of former Vice President Namadi Sambo.
Turaki, leading members of the National Working Committee (NWC), used the occasion to introduce the party’s new leadership to Sambo, who in turn reaffirmed his commitment to the party and hinted at a more active role in the coming months.
Addressing the curiosity surrounding the 2027 race, Turaki emphasized that the party has formally resolved to zone the presidency to the South.
He noted that while the eventual candidate remains unknown, the party is clear on its direction.
“You see, like I’ve always said, we in PDP have taking a decision to zone our presidential ticket to southern part of this country. For now, we do not know who may emerge as our candidate, even though we know those who will not be our candidates,” Turaki explained.
The Chairman assured party faithful and the Nigerian public that the primary process would be handled with the highest level of integrity.
He promised a “level playground” for all southern aspirants, ensuring the process remains transparent and equitable.
“Exactly. So it’s open for every member of PDP that is living in southern Nigeria or southern Nigeria descent. The process is going to be open, it’s going to be transparent, it’s going to be fair, it’s going to be equitable, and it’s going to create level playground for everybody. So if, for whatever reason, anybody wants to contest, we want to assure you, Nigerians, that you will be the deciders of who becomes your candidate,” he added.
However, beyond the 2027 elections, the PDP leadership also addressed recent legal developments.
Turaki hailed a recent FCT High Court judgment delivered by Justice Umar, which dismissed a case brought by Samuel Anyanwu. He described the ruling as a major victory for the party’s internal discipline.
As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Turaki further explained that the party is working closely with its legal team to ensure all filings for pending appeals are submitted on time.
He noted that the party is awaiting the President of the Court of Appeal to decide whether a local or special panel will hear their consolidated appeals.