PDP's Zoning Decision: Governors Weigh In, Emphasizing Unity and Fairness

Strategic Insights -

Nigerian governors from the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) have expressed varying views on the party's zoning decision, with some welcoming the move and others lamenting past mistakes, such as fielding a northern candidate in the 2023 general election. Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who was part of the decision-making process, expressed satisfaction with the resolution, stressing the importance of unity and fairness within the party.

Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro acknowledged the party's regret over fielding former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate in 2023, attributing the loss to a miscalculation. Moro highlighted the party's effort to correct past mistakes by zoning the 2027 presidential ticket to the southern region, driven by fairness, equity, and justice.

Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom welcomed the zoning decision, but with a condition that his support would be determined by the choice of candidate. Ortom stated that if a credible candidate emerges, he would compare the candidate's credentials with those of the incumbent president and make a decision accordingly.

Key Takeaways:

  • PDP's zoning of the 2027 presidential ticket to the southern region is a strategic correction of past mistakes, as per Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro.
  • The party's decision to field a northern candidate in 2023, Atiku Abubakar, was a miscalculation that contributed to the loss, according to Senator Moro.
  • Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom welcomed the zoning decision but emphasized that his support would be determined by the choice of candidate.
  • The PDP's National Executive Committee (NEC) made a bold decision to zone the ticket to the south, rooted in fairness, equity, and justice
  • Former Anambra governor Peter Obi's potential return to the PDP could bolster the party's chances in the 2027 election, as per Senator Moro.
  • Senator Moro stated that the PDP will make an impact in the 2027 election if Peter Obi comes back and becomes a candidate.
  • The party is working to woo Obi back, with ongoing efforts to persuade him to return to the PDP.
  • Former President Goodluck Jonathan is being considered as a potential candidate, but concerns about constitutional barriers are being addressed through judicial precedents

Statistics:

  • PDP's zoning decision was made by the party's National Executive Committee (NEC)
  • Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar was fielded as the PDP's presidential candidate in 2023.
  • The PDP lost the 2023 election due to a miscalculation, according to Senator Moro.
  • Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom welcomed the zoning decision but emphasized that his support would be determined by the choice of candidate.
  • The PDP's NEC made a bold decision to zone the ticket to the south, rooted in fairness, equity, and justice.
  • Former Anambra governor Peter Obi's potential return to the PDP could bolster the party's chances in the 2027 election, as per Senator Moro.
  • The party is working to woo Obi back, with ongoing efforts to persuade him to return to the PDP.

Sources:

  • Senator Abba Moro interview on Arise News
  • Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed's address to journalists
  • Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom's interview on Arise News