The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South while the national chairmanship remains in the North.
The decision was taken at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja where members also ratified Umar Damagum as substantive National Chairman.
Damagum has been acting chairman since March 2023, following the suspension of Senator Iyorchia Ayu by a Benue State court. Before then, he was Deputy National Chairman (North).
Zoning controversy
The zoning of the PDP’s presidential ticket has been one of the most divisive issues within the opposition party. In the build-up to the 2023 election, the ticket was thrown open, paving the way for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to clinch it.
That move triggered an internal revolt spearheaded by then Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, who accused the party leadership of sidelining the South. Wike eventually pitched his tent with All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Bola Tinubu, who went on to win the election.
Tinubu, a former Lagos State governor, has since been adopted by the APC as its candidate for the 2027 election.
Wike’s warning
Now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Wike has repeatedly cautioned the PDP against repeating the 2023 strategy.
At a media parley in Abuja on May 12, Wike insisted it would be politically suicidal for the PDP to zone its ticket to the North when the APC is fielding a southerner.
“As a party, come out openly now and say our presidential candidate will also come from the South. You don’t want to do that; you want to play the same game you played in 2023. It will backfire,” he said.
He added: “Selfishness can kill a system. If Mr President runs and wins in 2027, by 2031, the APC will zone their presidential ticket to the North. The PDP will do what then? Return it to the North? What kind of smartness is that?”
What lies ahead
Although the PDP has yet to adopt a standard-bearer for 2027, yesterday’s NEC decision is seen as an attempt to placate its Southern bloc and avoid a repeat of the 2023 implosion.
Party insiders, however, believe the zoning formula will not end the tussle over who eventually flies the party’s flag.
