The National President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Yerima Shettima has condemned the move by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the south.
It was reports that 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.
Speaking on the development during an interview with Punch, Shettima, 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.” he said.
Speaking further he said, “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.
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