The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially constituted a zoning panel ahead of the 2027 presidential election, signaling the start of strategic internal arrangements. This move comes amid growing speculation involving former President Goodluck Jonathan and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, both rumored to be possible contenders under the PDP banner. The zoning panel’s primary mandate is to determine which region will produce the party’s presidential candidate, with strong indications that the South may be favored.
Prominent party stakeholders, led by influential figures including Nyesom Wike, have intensified calls for the PDP to zone the ticket to the South. They argue that such a decision would promote fairness, uphold the principles of unity, and align with the party’s long-standing rotational policy. According to them, clearly defining the region for the ticket will also help resolve internal disputes and boost the party’s electoral chances.
The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has since endorsed the zoning of the presidential ticket to the South, marking a significant milestone in preparations for the election. The NEC also confirmed that the party’s next national convention will take place in Ibadan, where key decisions ahead of the polls are expected to be finalized.
However, a faction aligned with Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has criticized the zoning decision, describing it as unconstitutional and potentially divisive. They warned that restricting the ticket to a specific region could undermine democratic principles and contradict the party’s constitution, which guarantees equal opportunity to all members.
As internal debates continue, attention remains on whether Jonathan or Obi will accept the challenge of contesting under the new arrangement. With the clock ticking towards 2027, the PDP appears committed to using zoning as a core strategy in its bid to return to power.
