PDP Divided Over Zoning Ahead Of 2027 Polls

As the 2027 general elections approach, fresh cracks have emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the contentious issue of zoning the party’s presidential ticket, with key figures offering opposing views on whether to stick with constitutional provisions or prioritise electability.

Naijaonpoint reports that this follows recent remarks by PDP chieftain, Bode George, who urged the party to respect its zoning tradition by fielding a southern presidential candidate in the next election cycle.

George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, argued that the rotation of power was embedded in the PDP’s founding philosophy as a way to curb ethnic tensions and ensure equitable representation.

“Rotation of elective offices was envisaged by the founders of the PDP as a panacea to the needless agitation for power among the ethnic nationalities that make up Nigeria,” George told Sunday Punch.

He warned that discarding zoning could alienate key blocs and damage the party’s national appeal.

Backing George’s position, former PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Diran Odeyemi, said that making a firm decision on zoning ahead of the party’s national convention was essential for clarity and cohesion.

“If there is a general consensus that the national chairmanship of the party should stay in the North, then our presidential candidate will have to come from the South,” Odeyemi said.

He disclosed that the zoning committee would provide crucial guidance, particularly as the PDP prepares for its convention later this year.

Odeyemi also stressed the need to reconcile with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, a move he believes would strengthen the PDP ahead of the next election cycle.

“Wike needs the party as much as the party needs him. He is angry, but we need to listen to him and do the right thing. Reconciliation is part of the processes used in building and stabilising political parties,” he added.

However, Timothy Osadolor, the PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, rejected zoning as the sole criteria for picking the party’s flagbearer in 2027.

In a separate interview with PUNCH, Osadolor said Nigeria’s problems require competent leadership, not regional sentiment.

“I do not believe we need to stifle democracy. We are where we are today because of our inclination to promote ethnic and religious sentiments,” he said.

He acknowledged that a southern candidate could emerge, but insisted the decision must come from a democratic consensus, not compulsion.

“Democracy must be about the people and must be allowed to win. The PDP should be thinking of who can help Nigeria solve its problems, regardless of where such a person comes from,” Osadolor said.

He also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of perpetuating the same lopsided appointments that marred the tenure of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.

The PDP’s 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for June 30 in Abuja, is expected to place the zoning debate at the top of its agenda.