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2027 Elections: PDP ticket zoning to South splits North

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The decision by the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria has pitted various northern groups in different camps, with many describing the development as undemocratic and contrary to the spirit of fair competition.

The National Executive Committee of the party, at its 102nd meeting on Monday, zoned the presidential ticket to the South, while retaining the current National Working Committee headed by Ambassador Umar Damagum.

Although, prominent northern figures in the PDP, including foundation members like former Information Minister, Prof Jerry Gana have been in the forefront urging the party to go south in its search of a candidate to vie against President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress; some northern stakeholders have warned of the danger of losing significant votes in a region known for its voting strength.

The National President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Yerima Shettima, on tuesday stated that the PDP’s decision to zone its ticket has raised many questions that require answers.

“By preemptively zoning the presidential ticket to the South, the PDP appears to be constraining fundamental rights, effectively sidelining potential candidates from the North who may possess the requisite qualifications and vision to lead the country. This decision not only diminishes the political strength of Northern voters but also risks alienating a significant portion of the electorate who may feel that their choices are being dictated by party machinations rather than genuine democratic processes.” This, he said, may give President Tinubu an easy ride against his potential opponents.

“As the APC prepares to nominate President Tinubu for re-election, the implications of the PDP’s zoning decision become even more pronounced. Tinubu, a seasoned politician with considerable influence and a well-established political network, is likely to leverage his incumbency and the support of the APC to solidify his position. In this context, the North may find itself in a unique position, one that could lead to a strategic consensus in favour of Tinubu rather than the PDP.

“The northern political landscape is characterised by a complex interplay of ethnic, religious, and regional interests. Historically, Northern leaders have often prioritised unity and consensus-building as a means of navigating Nigeria’s diverse political terrain. However, the PDP’s decision to zone the presidential ticket to the South could inadvertently galvanise northern political actors to consolidate their support around Tinubu.

“The North, recognising the potential risks of a divided political front, may opt to rally behind the incumbent, particularly if they perceive that the PDP’s choice is exclusionary and undermines their representation.

“The North’s support for Tinubu could be further reinforced by the perception that the PDP’s zoning strategy is not only politically motivated but also detrimental to the principles of democracy. In this light, Northern leaders may view their alignment with the APC as a means of safeguarding democratic ideals by promoting a candidate who, despite his Southern roots, has demonstrated an understanding of the complexities of Nigerian governance and has the potential to address the diverse needs of the nation,” he added.

Groups reject move

Leaders from the North Central zone, under the platform of the North Central Renaissance Movement, rejected the PDP’s zoning of its 2027 presidential ticket to the South.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the chairperson of the movement, Professor K’tso Nghargbu, argued that in the spirit of fairness, the presidential ticket should have been zoned to the North Central, as it remains the only zone yet to produce either a President or Vice President in a democratic dispensation.

He said, “As leaders of the North Central, we reject the PDP decision that zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South.

“Some have taken to armed struggle and branded themselves as freedom fighters. But in the North Central, the nationalist movement has never gone down that path and will never descend so low as to inflict harm, injury, or pain on the Nigerian state. Ours will always remain an intellectual struggle.

“Yet, despite numerous appeals, especially to our major political parties, to recognise a zone that has been consistently shortchanged politically, the only zone since independence that has never produced a civilian President or Vice President, the neglect continues. As we speak, political parties in Nigeria still take us for granted, undermining and despising our demands, even when they are peaceful, even when these are backed by facts.

He noted that despite the region’s abundant human and natural resources, Nigeria’s major political parties continued to sideline the zone.

He added, “Zoning is not just about North and South; within these blocs, fairness must extend to zones that have never been given the chance. And this is why we insist that any political party that fails to zone the 2027 presidency to the North, and more importantly to the North Central, risks losing millions of votes from our people.

“Our people, especially the younger generation, are tired of recycled and uninspiring leaders. They want fresh leadership rooted in fairness and inclusion. This is why our agitation goes beyond the simple North–South dichotomy. We are demanding equity within the Nigerian federation. It is not too much to ask that the North Central, a zone with solid credentials and undeniable contributions, be given the chance to prove itself in civilian leadership.”

Also, a coalition of northern youth groups under the umbrella of the Joint Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations described the move as “anti-democratic, unjust, and a monumental betrayal” of the region.

The group, at a press conference on Tuesday in Kaduna, warned the opposition party of grave political consequences if it failed to reverse the zoning arrangement.

Speaking at the briefing, JACON’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Sani Yaya, said, “The Joint Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations has received with utter shock and profound dismay the anti-democratic and unjust decision by the PDP to zone its presidential candidacy for the 2027 elections exclusively to the Southern part of Nigeria.

“This decision is not only a grave affront to the principles of fairness and justice but also a monumental betrayal of the massive and unwavering support the North has given the PDP since the inception of the Fourth Republic. It is a reckless move that negates the very spirit of national unity and rotational equity, which the party claims to uphold.”

Similarly, political analysts believe the zoning debate could deepen internal cracks within the opposition party, especially as it struggles to rebuild following its defeat in the 2015 general elections.

A Kaduna-based analyst, Dr Ibrahim Ahmed, told The PUNCH that JACON’s position reflects a growing discontent among northern stakeholders who feel marginalised by the PDP.

“The North has always been a critical voting bloc for the PDP. If the party insists on zoning the ticket to the South, it risks losing its strongest electoral base,” he said. “But at the same time, the PDP leadership may argue that national unity requires a balance of power rotation.”

On its part, the Coalition of Northern Groups said the zoning was a deliberate attempt to shortchange the North of its democratic right.

CNG’s National Coordinator, Jamilu Charanchi, said “Even though it is a party affair and it is left for the party to decide, the reality is that it should be an open contest whereby every Nigerian has the right to contest for any seat in this country. I see no reason why the North should be exempted.

“In politics, it should be an open contest. When you zone both the National Chairman and the presidency to one region, it becomes a problem. The tradition has been that when the chairman comes from the North, the president emerges from the South, and vice versa. But restricting it this way will shortchange those with capacity, integrity and passion for the country,” he added.

CNG’s Chairman, Mohammed Deba, however, noted that political parties are at liberty to make their choices. “We believe all the parties should be free and fair to all. It’s a strategy for them (the PDP), having tried the north in 2023.”

ACF wades in

Joining the conversation, the Arewa Consultative Forum has said it is too early to conclude the issue of zoning as done by the PDP in its NEC meeting.

The Forum’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof Tukur Muhammad-Baba, while speaking in an interview with The PUNCH on Tuesday, said, “Things are unfolding; so it is a bit premature to take a position on the matter.

“At any rate, it is a bit premature to make calculations or reach conclusions on the matter since the necessary processes leading to the 2027 elections are yet to officially commence.

“As it is, the permutations for the 2027 elections are within the internal business of political parties. As it is known, the ACF does not take a stand on purely partisan political matters,” he said.

Also speaking, former ACF’s Secretary General, Anthony Sani, said it was the politics of zoning that “Made it possible for Bola Tinubu to prevail over former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the North in 2023, stressing that “It is perhaps that consideration that has informed the decision by PDP to zone its presidency to the South for 2027.”

Sani added, “If the presidency will be in the North in 2031, it means the North will vote for President Tinubu, who cannot be president beyond 2031. The North is therefore not left in the cold by waiting for its turn in 2031.”

Saraki, Dingyadi differ

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, threw his weight behind the move to have the South fly the PDP presidential flag in 2027.

Speaking through his Media Adviser, Yusuph Olaniyonu, the ex-Kwara State governor said, “As head of the party’s panel, Saraki played a major role in bringing back the peace and unity in the party today.

“Following Buhari’s eight years, it’s obvious that the South should also be given eight years. The party had also given the ticket to the North in 2019 and 2023, so it’s fair that it should go to the South (in 2027).

“If the party’s zoning committee, headed by Bayelsa State Governor (Duoye Diri), recommended that NWC positions occupied by northerners should remain as it is, while those occupied by southerners should also remain in the South, it means that the right thing to do is to zone the ticket to the South since the party chairman is automatically from the North.”

According to him, the position taken by the PDP would make it easier for members and those with the intent to join the party to know where they stand.

“With this, PDP is even more stable than the APC now. Go to Delta and Akwa Ibom States. Ask their governors who defected to the APC how comfortable they are now. APC is telling them, ‘You can’t just come and take the party ticket.’”

But another PDP chieftain, Yusuf Dingyadi, strongly criticised the party’s decision to zone the ticket to the South, warning that the move could weaken the PDP’s chances and alienate its northern supporters.

Dingyadi, who spoke to The PUNCH in Sokoto, described the resolution of the party’s NEC as “unfortunate” and ill-timed, saying the party should have focused on rebuilding unity and strengthening internal cohesion before taking a position on zoning.

“The PDP could have skipped the issue of political struggle and instead concentrated on unity, cohesion, and building a stronger platform before talking about positions. Rushing to zone out the presidency is uncalled for, ill-advised, and lacking wisdom,” Dingyadi said.

Dingyadi warned that the zoning decision may push many northern supporters to look for an alternative platform to pursue their political aspirations ahead of the 2027 elections.

He lamented that the PDP had veered off the vision of its founding fathers, saying the party had turned into “a commodity for the highest bidders.”

“The leadership of the party has become too weak to the point that governors dictate its future. The (Nyesom) Wike group, in particular, has been given too much power to decide the fate of the PDP before 2027,” he alleged.

MBF backs South

Meanwhile, the Middle Belt Forum came out in defence of the PDP’s decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South.

In an interview with The PUNCH in Jos on Tuesday, the National President of the Forum,  Dr Bitrus Pogu, said the PDP’s decision is fair and in line with the party’s zoning system.

“The PDP is just following its own laid down procedure agreed by its members who are also Northerners since 1999 that the presidency will rotate between the North and the South. So, all they have done is to keep to that agreement which they have in their party.

“Every party has its zoning system. PDP got it wrong in 2023, and at that time, going by their zoning formula, it should have gone to the South.

“The PDP’s interest, at the moment, lies in their ability to secure government and unite their people, especially the G-5 Governors who revolted in 2023. So, it is only proper and wise for them to zone the presidency to the South at this time, being part of their tradition and practice since 1999 when they formed government.”

In its contribution, the Niger State chapter of the party has said that the decision to zone the presidential ticket of the party to the south is acceptable to the north.

The Niger North Zonal chairman of the party, Yahaya Ability, said, “That is what we agreed on, and I’m sure that the zones will respect that agreement. It is accepted by the entire chairmen of the states chapter because before we came out with this, the states chairmen forum- 36 of them, including the FCT, have agreed on this and the Board of Trustees also met and agreed on this. That is why I said it is the final resolution.

Nasarawa politicians

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Christian politicians in Nasarawa State, under the aegis of the Christian Northern Nigeria Political Forum, have declared their support for a Southern candidate to emerge as President.

The state Coordinator of the CNNPF, Promise Ezekiel, disclosed this to our correspondent in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, while reacting to a decision by the People’s Democratic Party to zone its presidential ticket to the south.

He said, “Looking at the latest happening with the PDP zoning its presidential ticket to the South, and National Chairmanship to the North, brings back to mind the yearnings of the people, making sure that every other person is carried along. We want other regions to be given that opportunity to participate in politics.

“You will agree with me that in the past, we had the likes of Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Late President Muhammadu Buhari who had occupied the Presidency from the North.

“At the moment, President Bola Tinubu, who is from southern Nigeria, is occupying the office. So, as an organisation, we are pleased with that decision. We hope that the PDP will bring a candidate with fresh ideas to participate in the 2027 presidential election.

“Zoning the presidency to the South is a good omen. Since the office of the National Chairman of the party was zoned to the North, then we are fully in support that the South should be allowed to contest for the position in 2027.”

When contacted, the Nasarawa State PDP Chairman, Adamu Bako Ninga, aligned himself with the decision of NEC to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the south.

He said, “I categorically say that I align myself with the decision of NEC, and even as a state, the PDP in Nasarawa aligns itself with the decision.

“After the considerations, the party set up a committee, and they followed the necessary procedures. The report of the committee was received yesterday, and the NEC agreed that the decision taken by the zoning committee should stand.”

“It is a fair judgment. The PDP is the party of the people, and we feel that it is the best decision for the party.”

Kwara, Yobe

The decision of the NEC of the party to zone the Presidency to the South is a balanced decision by the party hierarchy, Olusegun Adewara, PDP publicity Secretary in Kwara State, said.

Adewara said the position taken by the NEC was a “balanced decision,” stressing that “the North will not make any demand from the South because the NEC has also zoned the party’s chairmanship to the North. The decision was a joint one by the party’s top hierarchy.”

Similarly, former Speaker of Yobe State House of Assembly, Usman Sugum, believes the zoning of the Presidency to the South and the national party chairman and vice chairman positions may create a more competitive environment for other political parties in the 2027 general elections.

“This arrangement will provide healthier competition for other political parties,” Sugum explained. “Politics is all about healthy competition, and depending on the party’s internal calculations, this arrangement may work in their favour,” he said.

The PDP Publicity Secretary in the state, Salisu Baba, said the zoning arrangement was designed to work in the party’s favour in the 2027 general elections.

“The party is considering bringing former President Goodluck Jonathan from the South to complete his tenure,” Baba stated. “Politics is about winning, and the South should be given a chance to vie for the Presidency, considering former President Goodluck Jonathan’s performance in the country.”

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Wike to PDP govs: Your actions will bury party

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has accused the governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party of running the party with arrogance and impunity.

Wike warned that the governors’ actions and disregard for due process could lead to the total collapse of the party.

The FCT minister spoke on Friday during the October edition of his monthly media chat in Abuja.

“The way these present governors are going, they will bury this party. I’m the FCT Minister, for Christ’s sake—forget about whatever you think. Are you telling me that, as it is today, because I’m not a governor, you will go and hold a PDP stakeholders’ meeting, exclude me, and then expect to survive? Assuming I’m not the FCT Minister, by the role that I have played in the PDP till now, simply because I’m not a governor, I cannot be consulted in making decisions of the party? Certainly not!

“Two or three people cannot go and sit somewhere, make a decision, and then tell me that because they are governors, I should follow such a decision,” he stated.

He described the party’s national convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, as illegal.

Wike insisted that he would not attend any convention that fails to comply with the party’s constitutional procedures, saying his attendance would amount to endorsing illegality.

In the lead-up to the national convention, the PDP has been engulfed in tension as rival factions clash over control of its leadership structure.

Last week, the party’s chairman in Imo State, Austin Nwachukwu; his Abia State counterpart, Abraham Nnanna; and the South-South Zonal Secretary, George Turnah, filed a suit at a Federal High Court seeking to halt preparations for the convention until a substantive case before the court is resolved.

For more than a year, the PDP has been mired in a series of internal crises, with governors elected on its platform and Wike’s loyalists locked in a fierce struggle over control of the party machinery.

Also, the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, a known Wike loyalist, last week petitioned the Department of State Services, the Inspector General of Police, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, alleging forgery of his signature on communications related to the upcoming convention.

Speaking on the internal crisis rocking the party at the media chat, Wike condemned what he described as the sidelining of key stakeholders in major party decisions, including preparations for the convention.

According to him, attempts by a few governors to dominate the party and control the outcome of the convention without due process were illegal and detrimental to the party’s unity.

He said the conduct of some governors was pushing the party toward self-destruction, stressing that the ruling All Progressives Congress was not responsible for the party’s woes.

Wike said, “You (governors) go and take a decision, and then you sideline certain people. What do you expect to have? You will have a faction. Is that not embarrassing? Why are you not following due process in holding a national convention?

“I have said it, and I will continue to say it: the moment you think that you can sideline certain people and nothing will happen, you cause a major crisis in the party.

“If you do the right thing, would anybody challenge the convention? People think they are too smart. You have not done your congresses for those who will participate in that convention. All you are interested in is, ‘Let’s go and do the convention.’ You want to deny so many states the opportunity to participate in the convention, and we say you cannot do that.”

When asked if he would attend the convention, Wike said, “If a proper convention is to be held, why won’t I go? But I won’t go to a convention I know is filled with illegalities. How do you expect me to attend a convention that I know, by law, is not a valid convention?”

Wike also faulted the decision-making process within the PDP, accusing the party’s governors of excluding other influential members and arrogating powers to themselves.

“When you make a fundamental mistake by arrogating powers to yourself, of course, you will suffer the effect.

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Wike says PDP may fall apart because governors sideline him

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The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has slammed governors of the Peoples Democratic Party for sidelining him in major party decisions, warning that such exclusionary practices could threaten the party’s survival.

Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, Wike expressed frustration over being left out of key consultations despite his long-standing influence and role within the PDP.

He said, “Have I not said it before now that the booby trap you are setting will consume you? The way these present governors are doing, they will bury this party.”

The minister questioned why his exclusion was justified simply because he no longer holds a governorship position.

“I am the FCT Minister. Are you telling me that because I am not a governor, you will hold a PDP stakeholders’ meeting and exclude me, and then expect the party to survive?” he queried.

He added, “Assuming I am not a minister, by the role I have played in the PDP till now, is it right to say I cannot be consulted in taking decisions of the party? Certainly not.”

Wike further criticised the notion that internal crises could be blamed on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the PDP’s problems were self-inflicted.

“All these talks about APC are rubbish. Is it the APC that makes you take wrong decisions? You mean two or three people, because they are governors and receive large allocations, will go and decide, and you tell me to follow? Follow who?” he queried.

Speaking on the party’s planned national convention, Wike said the leadership had failed to complete necessary congresses and other key processes, which he claimed were stalling progress.

“If they do the right thing, will anybody stall the convention? They have not done the congresses and other things that should be in place,” he said.

The PDP has, in recent months, faced internal crises and a wave of defections involving top members such as Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the Governor of Akwa Ibom, Umo Eno. The party is also battling multiple legal suits over its forthcoming convention.

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PICTURES: Protest rocks APC headquarters over Kayode Ojo’s Ekiti primary exclusion

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A protest erupted at the All Progressives Congress National Secretariat in Abuja on Friday, as party members from Ekiti State voiced outrage over the exclusion of Kayode Ojo from the upcoming governorship primary.

 

The APC National Working Committee had, a few weeks ago, disqualified Ojo from participating in the October 27 primary in Ekiti State, effectively clearing the path for the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, to emerge as the consensus candidate.

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed the Ekiti State governorship election for July 20, 2026.

The protesters, mainly women, chanted slogans such as “Ekiti says No to Governor Biodun Oyebanji,” “No to Consensus,” and “Yes to Kayode Ojo.”

They carried placards with inscriptions including “We Say No to Kayode Ojo’s Disqualification,” “We Don’t Want Consensus,” “Ekiti Women Reject BAO,” “We Reject BAO,” and “APC Must Let Ekiti People Choose Their Candidate.”

Subsequently, in a statement issued on October 14 by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC announced that it had adopted a consensus candidate for the primary following the voluntary withdrawal of one of the two cleared aspirants, Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo.

Leader of the protesters, Abereniola Mercy, addressing the press in Abuja on Friday during a protest against the disqualification of Kayode Ojo from the forthcoming APC Ekiti governorship primary.
Photo Credit: Abdulrahman Zakariyau

On behalf of the protesters, Abereniola Mercy expressed that the people of Ekiti believe Ojo is the best candidate for the governorship position.

She stated, “We have gathered here today because the people of Ekiti State firmly believe that Kayode Ojo is the right man to lead us as our next governor. Across towns and communities, there is a renewed sense of hope and determination among our people. They are not only ready to vote for him but are also prepared to work tirelessly to ensure his victory in the forthcoming election.

“Our presence here is to draw the attention of the party leadership to the challenges and frustrations we are experiencing in Ekiti State. We reject Ojo’s disqualification and demand his reinstatement to enable him to participate in the APC primary.We want them to understand that the people have made their choice, and that choice is Kayode Ojo. He is a man of integrity, humility, and competence someone who genuinely cares about the development of our state and the welfare of its citizens.

“We are appealing to our great party not to impose any consensus arrangement on us. What we desire is a fair, transparent, and credible primary election where every delegate will have the opportunity to freely choose their preferred candidate. Consensus should not be forced upon the people when they are united in their choice.

“Therefore, we call on the national leadership of our party to respect the democratic will of Ekiti people. Give us the chance to decide through the ballot, because we are fully ready to stand behind Kayode Ojo as our next governor in 2026.”

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