As preparations for the 2027 presidential election intensify, members of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Executive Committee (NEC) appear divided over the issue of zoning, with some calling for strict adherence to the party’s constitution and others advocating for a broader democratic approach.
The debate follows recent remarks by party elder statesman, Chief Olabode George, who advised the PDP leadership to respect the principle of zoning by selecting its next presidential candidate from the South.
According to George, rotational leadership was a core principle adopted by the party’s founding fathers to ease ethnic tensions and promote inclusivity.
Backing George’s stance, Diran Odeyemi, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, described the zoning decision as vital for the PDP to define its direction ahead of the 2027 polls.
“If there is a general agreement that the national chairmanship remains in the North, then our presidential ticket should go to the South,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of guidance from the party’s zoning committee as the national convention draws closer.
Odeyemi also called for a renewed effort to reconcile with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who has had a strained relationship with the party in recent times.
“Rather than dismissing him, the party should engage with him, understand his grievances, and seek common ground. Reconciliation is essential in stabilising political structures,” he added.
However, not everyone within the PDP shares this sentiment.
Timothy Osadolor, the party’s Deputy National Youth Leader, expressed a different view, arguing that democracy should not be compromised by zoning alone.
In his words, “We are in this situation because of excessive emphasis on ethnic and religious considerations. The PDP should focus on fielding the most capable candidate, regardless of where they come from.”
Osadolor acknowledged the possibility of a southern candidate emerging but insisted that such a decision must be reached democratically and ratified at the party’s convention.
“Let the will of the people prevail,” he said, noting that the goal should be national development and unity.
Leave a Reply