PDP Zones 2027 Presidential Ticket to South, Setting Stage for High-Stakes Political Showdown

In a bold and calculated move, Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has officially zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, directly challenging incumbent President Bola Tinubu, who also hails from the region. The decision, ratified during the party’s 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, signals a strategic repositioning aimed at reclaiming power in the next general elections.

A Balancing Act: Presidency to the South, Chairmanship Stays North

The PDP’s resolution to zone the presidency to the South while retaining the national chairmanship in the North is seen by party insiders as a deliberate effort to maintain regional equilibrium and strengthen internal cohesion. According to a communiqué issued by National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, the decision followed extensive consultations with governors, former governors, ministers, and key stakeholders.

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, who chaired the zoning committee, emphasized that the move aligns with the party’s constitution and its longstanding tradition of rotational leadership. “This is not just a political decision; it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to fairness and national unity,” Diri stated.

The party also confirmed Iliya Umar Damagum as substantive national chairman until the national elective convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. Each region has been directed to commence micro-zoning of positions ahead of the convention.

Internal Dissent and External Criticism

Not everyone within the PDP ranks welcomed the zoning decision. Former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, who hails from the North Central region, openly criticized the move, alleging that some of its promoters are running a “proxy campaign” for President Tinubu.

Olawepo-Hashim’s criticism came on the heels of a massive rally organized by his supporters outside the NEC meeting venue. Thousands of supporters, clad in branded vests and caps, urged him to declare his interest in the 2027 presidential race, describing him as “a unifier the nation urgently needs.”

In a televised interview, Olawepo-Hashim dismissed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike’s stance on zoning, asserting that the PDP possesses internal mechanisms to correct itself. He also lambasted the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), labeling its economic management as “the worst in Nigeria’s history.”

Atiku’s ADC Move and Obi’s Dilemma

Meanwhile, the political landscape grew more complex as former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, signaled his intention to run again in 2027—this time under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Atiku dismissed claims that he was withdrawing from the race, emphasizing the need for “an experienced hand” to lead Nigeria out of its current challenges.

His declaration has placed Labour Party’s Peter Obi in a delicate position. Obi, who also intends to contest the presidency, now faces the prospect of competing against Atiku for the ADC ticket or seeking an alternative platform. Observers note that a fragmented opposition could benefit the ruling APC, making unity among opposition parties a critical factor ahead of 2027.

Lamido Sounds Alarm Over Wike’s Influence

Amid these developments, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido raised alarms over alleged efforts to shield FCT Minister Nyesom Wike from disciplinary action within the PDP. In a statement on his verified Facebook page, Lamido claimed that some state party chairmen were instructed by “lords of Nigeria” to resist any attempt to sanction Wike and his allies.

Lamido warned that such moves could hasten the collapse of the PDP and, by extension, destabilize Nigeria’s democracy. “This desperation will inevitably hasten the collapse of our nascent democracy, with dire consequences,” he cautioned.

PDP Governors Defend Zamfara Meeting

The PDP Governors’ Forum also found itself at the center of controversy following its meeting in Zamfara State just days after deadly attacks claimed numerous lives in the region. The ADC criticized the meeting as insensitive, accusing PDP governors of “grinning for the camera” in an environment “that still reeks of blood and sorrow.”

In response, the forum’s Director-General, Emmanuel Agbo, defended the gathering, describing it as part of a scheduled program that addressed insecurity and national challenges. He accused the ADC of politicizing human suffering and emphasized that the PDP has grown “more formidable and focused” since the ADC’s departure.

APC Fires Back, Defends Tinubu’s Policies

The ruling APC wasted no time in hitting back at the PDP’s criticisms. In a statement by National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, the APC accused PDP governors of failing to deliver good governance despite receiving unprecedented federal allocations. Morka claimed that revenue allocation to states had more than doubled under Tinubu, with over N2 trillion shared as of July 2025.

He dismissed the PDP as “in deep comatose” and urged Nigerians to ignore what he called “empty and misleading rhetoric” from opposition parties. The APC insisted that Tinubu’s policies are revamping the economy and paving a “new path of prosperity.”

ADC Claims Growing Acceptance, Alleges EFCC Harassment

As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the ADC has positioned itself as a viable alternative to the APC, claiming widespread acceptance across the country. However, the party accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of being used to intimidate its key leaders, including former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi alleged that the EFCC was plotting to probe former Senate President David Mark and ex-Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, describing the actions as politically motivated.

The Road to 2027: Unity or Fragmentation?

With multiple aspirants jostling for position and parties maneuvering for advantage, the opposition faces a critical test of unity. Peter Obi himself has acknowledged that defeating an incumbent president requires a consolidated effort. “If parties field different candidates in 2027, it may be difficult, if not impossible, to defeat the incumbent,” he noted recently.

Former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu assured Nigerians that the party is committed to transparent primaries and is engaging with prominent figures across party lines, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, Nasir El-Rufai, and others. “What we have in stock will surprise Nigerians,” Nwosu stated confidently.

As the countdown to 2027 begins, Nigeria’s political landscape is set for a fierce and unpredictable contest. The PDP’s zoning decision has undoubtedly raised the stakes, but whether it can translate into electoral success remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the battle for Nigeria’s future is only just beginning.