The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been urged to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, as party leaders and stakeholders convened in Abuja to chart a new path for the opposition platform.
Speaking at a consultative conference held at the Nigeria Airforce Conference Centre, PDP founding member and Board of Trustees (BoT) member, Professor Jerry Gana, said the move would uphold the principles of equity, fairness, and justice.
Gana, alongside other key figures including Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, emphasized the need for party discipline, reconciliation, and generational renewal as the PDP contends with internal challenges and high-profile defections—most recently, seven lawmakers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“In tune with the patriotic vision of our founding fathers, we urge that our 2027 presidential candidate emerge from the Southern states,” Gana said, adding that zoning would promote electoral victory and national unity.
He also called for transparent party leadership selection at the next national convention and advocated greater inclusion of youth and women. “The PDP must deliberately open the space for younger Nigerians—brilliant, energetic, and innovative minds—to lead,” Gana said, arguing their involvement is critical to Nigeria’s future and the party’s 2027 strategy.
Damagum downplayed the impact of recent defections, affirming that the PDP remains resilient. “We’ve survived worse. This party will not fail. The centre will hold again,” he declared, calling for a return to the party’s core values and ideological foundation.
Former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu warned against the return of “nomadic politicians,” saying defectors should rejoin the queue. “Even if we don’t win elections, a principled, united PDP will still earn respect,” he added.
Addressing the National Working Committee, party chieftain Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim expressed optimism about the PDP’s future. “Our grassroots presence remains strong despite defections. The real strength of a party lies in its people, and the people are still with us,” he said, urging the PDP to present a visionary 2027 candidate focused on national security, economic recovery, and social justice.
Other attendees included BoT Secretary Senator Ahmed Makarfi, former governors, ministers, and national officers who all echoed support for party reforms and unity moving forward.
