…As reactions Trail Decision Across Political Blocs
Abuja — The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a decision that has triggered mixed reactions across the country.
While some leaders describe it as a sacrifice for unity, others see it as unjust and politically dangerous for the opposition party.
At its 102nd National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting in Abuja on Monday, the party resolved that the presidential slot be reserved for the South, while retaining the national chairmanship in the North.
Bala Mohammed: “Politics Is About Sacrifice, Not Self-Interest”
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, one of the northern leaders earlier rumoured to nurse presidential ambitions, backed the zoning formula.
Speaking with journalists in Bauchi, he said:
“I am very satisfied with the resolution because I am part and parcel of it. We have taken an all-inclusive decision to zone the presidential ticket to the South in order to promote sanity, understanding, and unity. Politics is not about self-interest; it is about national progress within the framework of party decisions.”
Mohammed added that all members must respect party decisions and remember that power ultimately comes from God.
Northern Stakeholders Reject Zoning Formula
The decision has however sparked discontent among several northern blocs.
The Joint Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations, JACON, described the move as unjust and a betrayal of the North’s loyalty to the PDP.
Its spokesman, Ambassador Sani Yaya, said:
“It is an undeniable historical fact that the North was short-changed during PDP’s 16 years in power. While the South dominated the presidency for over a decade, the North barely had two and a half years. To now zone the ticket back to the South in 2027 is a deliberate attempt to sideline the region.”
In the North-Central, the North-Central Renaissance Movement warned that the zone will not continue to accept marginalisation in Nigeria’s leadership.
Its leader, Professor K’tso Nghargbu, said no party that fails to field a candidate from the North-Central should expect votes from the region in 2027.
Similarly, the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, GHSM, described PDP’s decision as unconstitutional and strategically dangerous, warning that it could weaken the party’s chances and even expose its candidate to legal challenges.
“PDP Has Lost the North” — Arewa Youth Assembly
The Arewa Youth Assembly faulted the PDP, saying it lost credibility when it abandoned power rotation in 2023.
Leader of the group, Salihu Danlami, said:
“There was a gentleman’s agreement on power rotation, eight years in the North, then eight years in the South. In 2023, PDP broke the arrangement by fielding Atiku Abubakar. That was the beginning of the crisis. Many northerners now see PDP as weakened and have shifted to the African Democratic Congress, ADC.”
Party Leaders Insist Zoning Will Unite PDP
Not all leaders are opposed. Former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, praised the zoning resolution, accusing its critics of selfishness and manipulation.
Also, the PDP Deputy National Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha, and Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, described the move as a turning point that would restore unity and credibility.
Chairman of the PDP State Chairmen Forum, Mr. Austin Nwachukwu, said the decision was binding and no longer a subject of controversy.
APC and PDP Both Sticking to Power Rotation
Analysts note that with the ruling APC also backing President Bola Tinubu, a southerner, for re-election in 2027, the decision means northern aspirants in both parties may face an uphill battle.
Both parties argue their stance is in line with the unwritten rule of rotating power between North and South.
ADC and Other Opposition Voices Kick
The African Democratic Congress, ADC, criticised PDP and APC for zoning tickets two years to the polls, describing it as anti-people. Spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the political class was more concerned with power games than solving the problems facing Nigerians.
Peter Obi Back in the Spotlight
The PDP’s zoning move has also put former Anambra governor and 2023 Labour Party candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, back in political reckoning.
Sources say party leaders are quietly reaching out to him, hoping he could be the unifying candidate for the South. Supporters of Obi confirm that consultations are ongoing, though he has remained silent on whether he would consider returning to the PDP.
Outlook
With reactions still pouring in, it is clear that the zoning decision has deepened both hope and tension within Nigeria’s political space. While some see it as a step towards fairness and balance, others warn it could cost the PDP vital support in the North as the countdown to 2027 gathers pace.