Founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have thrown their weight behind the emergence of a southern presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, in what they describe as a move to restore the party’s foundational values of justice, equity, and national unity.
Naijaonpoint reports that the position was taken at the PDP Founding Fathers’ National Restoration Conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, where several party heavyweights, including Prof. Jerry Gana, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Governor Bala Mohammed, and Dr. Babangida Aliyu, called for a strategic reset ahead of the next political cycle.
Delivering a keynote address, former Minister of Information and PDP stalwart, Jerry Gana, said it was time the party returned to its patriotic ideals by zoning the 2027 presidential ticket to the South.
Gana said, “In line with the ideals of our founding fathers, we urge all PDP leaders to support zoning the 2027 presidential ticket to the South. This approach will not only help us win but also promote justice and fairness.”
He further stated that the PDP remains “alive, flourishing and mobilising” to rescue Nigeria from the failures of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing challenges in security, economy, and national unity.
“We built institutions like EFCC, ICPC, UBEC, and TETFund. We stabilised democracy and grew the economy. It’s time to produce a practical, solutions-driven manifesto to save Nigeria,” Gana noted.
The former minister also called on the National Executive Committee (NEC) to organise a transparent National Convention, where new members of the National Working Committee (NWC) would be freely elected.
“No more impositions or secret deals. Delegates must freely choose new leaders to steer our party’s revival,” he stressed.
Gana emphasised the need for the inclusion of youth and women, noting that young Nigerians possess the creativity and digital skills necessary to shape a new Nigeria.
Also speaking at the event, former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu, decried what he called the “nomadic politics” of politicians who switch parties at will.
“We must stop bringing back politicians known for jumping from one party to another. Their lack of discipline has caused much damage,” Aliyu said.
He added that the PDP must begin to reward loyalty and punish betrayal to preserve the party’s integrity.
Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, praised the performance of PDP governors and reaffirmed their commitment to discipline and internal democracy.
“We are trying our best, guided by humility and knowledge. PDP governors are known for inclusion and good governance,” he said.
He warned against forming coalitions with rival parties, calling such moves “aberrations” within the PDP framework.
Mohammed further revealed that the party’s current NWC was open to resignation to foster reconciliation and unity.
“They’ve agreed to leave if their presence is causing disunity. That’s a big sacrifice,” he said.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki urged members to remain committed to the party despite current challenges.
“Yes, we have challenges. But should we abandon PDP because of them? I once left in anger. But anger doesn’t solve leadership problems,” he said.
Saraki emphasised unity, saying: “Let’s fix the roof, not abandon the house. If the party collapses under our watch, history won’t forgive us.”