As the 2027 general elections approach, deep divisions have emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the zoning of its presidential ticket. Members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) are split between adhering to the PDP constitution’s zoning principle and allowing an open contest based on popularity and political weight.

This disagreement is unfolding just weeks before the party’s anticipated 100th NEC meeting, scheduled for June 30, 2025, in Abuja, where zoning is expected to top the agenda.

Bode George: “Respect Zoning or Risk Failure in 2027”

Prominent PDP elder statesman Chief Olabode George has urged the party to respect its zoning arrangement and pick a presidential candidate from the South. He warned that ignoring the founding principles of rotation between the North and South could further alienate Nigerians and damage the PDP’s chances of reclaiming power in 2027.

George stated, “Zoning was introduced by PDP’s founders to reduce ethnic and regional tension. If we abandon it now, we risk deepening political divisions across Nigeria.”

Diran Odeyemi Backs Zoning, Urges Reconciliation with Wike

Also lending his voice to the zoning debate, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Diran Odeyemi, said the PDP must take a clear stand on zoning before its upcoming convention.

• “If the party retains the national chairmanship in the North, the presidential ticket must go to the South,” Odeyemi told NaijaBlogDaily. “We have a zoning committee to guide this process, and we must follow it to provide direction.”

• Odeyemi also called on the party to initiate reconciliation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whose fallout with the party has created significant rifts.

• “Wike needs the PDP just as much as the PDP needs Wike. We must stop the blame game and listen to his grievances if we hope to rebuild and present a strong front in 2027,” he emphasized.

PDP Youth Leader Opposes Ethnic-Based Politics

However, not all NEC members agree. Timothy Osadolor, the Deputy National Youth Leader, expressed concerns over what he described as an overemphasis on ethnic and regional sentiment.

In an interview with NaijaBlogDaily, Osadolor said, “Democracy must not be stifled by zoning. We need the best candidate, regardless of origin. Let the best aspirant win through an open and transparent process.”

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He warned that zoning, if misapplied, could lead to repeating the mistakes of past administrations, stating, “Many Nigerians today see Tinubu as a ‘Yoruba President’ because of the imbalance in federal appointments — the same way Buhari was seen as a northern president.”

NEC Meeting to Decide PDP’s 2027 Direction

The looming June 30 PDP NEC meeting is set to be a turning point. Sources close to the party leadership confirm that zoning, reconciliation, and preparations for the 2027 presidential primaries will dominate discussions.

With growing calls for unity and clarity, many PDP stakeholders believe that how the party handles zoning and reconciliation—especially with Wike and other aggrieved members—could determine its relevance in the next general election.

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