…Saraki, Bala out, as Jonathan, Makinde, Obi touted
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a move that has ended the ambitions of former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and Bauchi State governor Bala Mohammed — but opened the field for southern contenders such as Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and ex-Anambra State governor Peter Obi.
The decision, ratified by party’s the National Executive Committee (NEC) in Abuja, after reviewing reports from its Convention and Zoning Committees, was hailed by party heavyweights including Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, as a step toward “equity, fairness and justice.” Its NEC also confirmed Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum as its substantive chairman, and scheduled the zoning resolution for ratification at the November convention in Ibadan.
However, the zoning has triggered fierce resistance. The ‘Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement’ (GHSM) described the move as “a constitutional and strategic blunder”, warning that restricting the ticket to the South violates both Section 42 of Nigeria’s Constitution (as amended) and the PDP’s own charter. “History has shown that whenever the PDP abandons open contests, it pays a heavy price”, said GHSM Coordinator, AbdulRazaq Hamzat, vowing continued support for presidential hopeful Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim.
Northern anger has also boiled over. The Joint Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations (JACON) branded the zoning “a betrayal”, accusing the PDP of political marginalisation. The group said the North, despite sustaining the party electorally since 1999, had only held the presidency for two and a half years compared to the South’s thirteen and a half. “The North can no longer be the political beast of burden for a party that uses its votes but denies it leadership”, warned JACON, threatening to mobilise against the PDP if the decision is not reversed.
While Jonathan and Obi are being wooed to run, Makinde has remained silent on his rumoured interest. Party insiders say Jonathan’s possible one-term limit could make him an attractive consensus candidate.
PDP elders, however, cautioned against complacency. Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, urged reconciliation and sacrifice: “The road to 2027 will not be easy. Reclaiming victory will demand more than rhetoric — it will demand unity and sacrifice”.
