PDP In Turmoil: Zoning War Erupts As 2027 Presidential Race Heats Up

As the 2027 general elections draw nearer, internal divisions have resurfaced within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the contentious issue of zoning the party’s presidential ticket. Prominent members of the party are split between upholding its long-standing zoning arrangement and prioritizing the chances of winning at the polls.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The renewed debate was triggered by recent comments from PDP stalwart, Chief Bode George, who urged the party to honour its tradition by nominating a southern candidate for the presidency. George, a former Deputy National Chairman, emphasized that power rotation has been a foundational principle of the PDP, designed to promote national unity and minimize ethnic tensions.

“Power rotation was instituted by the PDP’s founding fathers to reduce unnecessary ethnic rivalry and promote inclusiveness,” George told Sunday Punch. He cautioned that abandoning zoning could alienate critical support bases and weaken the party’s national reach.

Echoing his views, former PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Diran Odeyemi, called for a firm decision on zoning before the party’s national convention, stressing the importance of clarity and internal cohesion.

“If the consensus is to retain the national chairmanship in the North, then naturally the presidential ticket should go to the South,” Odeyemi explained. He noted that the zoning committee’s recommendations would be pivotal ahead of the convention scheduled for later this year.

Odeyemi also advocated reconciliation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, arguing that mending ties with him would bolster the party’s prospects in 2027. “Wike needs the PDP as much as the PDP needs Wike. He may be upset, but listening to him and resolving issues is key to party stability,” he added.

However, not all party leaders agree. Timothy Osadolor, the PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, opposed the notion of zoning being the determining factor in choosing the party’s 2027 presidential candidate. Speaking in a separate interview, Osadolor argued that Nigeria’s challenges require capable leadership, not ethnic or regional calculations.

“We shouldn’t suffocate democracy by clinging to ethnic and religious sentiments. Our focus should be on who can solve Nigeria’s problems effectively, regardless of their region,” he said.

While he acknowledged that a southern candidate might still emerge, Osadolor insisted the process must reflect the will of the people, not be forced by party convention.

He also took aim at President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of continuing the same pattern of lopsided appointments that plagued former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure.

With the PDP’s 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting set for June 30 in Abuja, the zoning issue is expected to dominate discussions, potentially shaping the party’s strategy for the 2027 elections.