The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, effectively ruling out the possibility of a northern candidate flying the party’s flag in the next general election.
The decision was part of the resolutions reached at the party’s 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Monday at its national headquarters in Abuja.
Party insiders told Daily Trust that the move was intended to douse tension and prevent fresh divisions within the party.
A NEC member explained, “NEC zoned the presidency to the South because the national chairman and presidential candidate cannot ordinarily come from the same region. All stakeholders had already agreed to maintain the status quo on zoning. Besides, after eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari, it would not be fair to zone the presidency to the North.”
Another insider added that the zoning arrangement would also discourage current NWC members from seeking re-election to their positions.
According to party officials, the decision also reflected the mood of the country.
“Even the body language of Nigerians favours a southern presidency, and the party is taking cognizance of the situation in the country,” one top source said.
Ahead of the 2023 elections, the party had established a zoning committee chaired by former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom. After consultations, the Ortom committee threw the ticket open, paving the way for former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, to emerge as the candidate.
That decision polarised the party and led to the formation of the G-5 governors, led by then-Rivers State Governor, now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. The group, which included Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, Ortom, Abia’s Okezie Ikpeazu and Enugu’s Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, opposed Atiku’s candidacy and openly worked against the PDP during the election.
To heal divisions, the National Working Committee set up another zoning panel on August 14, chaired by Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri.
The Diri committee recommended retaining the existing formula, which was adopted at Monday’s NEC meeting. This ultimately zoned the presidency to the South, setting the stage for the 2027 contest.
