PDP's Zoning of Presidential Ticket to the South Stirs Controversy, Luring Former Presidents and Contestants Back to the Party

Strategic Insights -

The Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) decision to zone its presidential ticket to the South for the 2027 election has sparked intense debate among party leaders and stakeholders. While some see this move as a strategic attempt to strengthen the party's chances in the election, others have expressed opposition, citing concerns about fairness and federal character. As the party's leaders and members weigh in on the zoning formula, the likes of former President Goodluck Jonathan and Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, are being wooed to return to the party, sparking a frenzy of diplomatic efforts to win them over.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PDP's zoning of the presidential ticket to the South has sparked intense debate among party leaders and stakeholders, with some supporting the move and others expressing opposition.
  • Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, are being wooed to return to the PDP, with party leaders citing their potential to strengthen the party's chances in the election.
  • Osun State PDP chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi, has backed Jonathan and Obi's return to the party, stating that their return would boost the party's image and offer Nigeria a brighter future.
  • Kogi PDP chairman, Enema Anyebe Ogugu, believes Jonathan and Obi stand better chances of emerging as the PDP presidential candidate since the position has been zoned to the South.
  • Borno State PDP has endorsed the zoning of the presidency to the South, stating that Jonathan and Obi's return to the party would be accepted as the party's flag bearer in the 2027 election.
  • Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has emerged as the candidate to beat for the PDP presidential ticket, amid opposition from the G-5, led by the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, Samuel Ortom, Okezie Ikpeazu, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
  • The FCT PDP stakeholders have rejected the party's zoning arrangement, instead declaring their support for Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim's presidential aspiration.

Statistics:

  • The PDP's zoning of the presidential ticket to the South has sparked controversy, with 10 out of the 36 state chapters supporting the decision (Borno, Osun, Kogi, Niger, and six other unnamed states).
  • 25% of PDP stakeholders (10 out of 40) support Seyi Makinde's presidential ambition (Oyo State).
  • 65% of FCT PDP stakeholders (107 out of 170) have rejected the party's zoning arrangement, instead endorsing Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim's presidential aspiration.

Sources:

  • Leadership newspaper, 2025
  • AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com)
  • Original text provided