2027 Polls: PDP NEC Members Disagree Over Zoning Policy

With the 2027 presidential race gradually taking shape, internal disagreements have emerged within the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over whether the party should uphold its zoning arrangement or prioritize electability and national appeal.

This internal friction comes amid renewed calls from influential party figure Chief Olabode George, who has urged the PDP leadership to stick to its long-standing zoning formula by presenting a southern candidate for the presidency. 

According to George, rotational leadership was designed to ease regional power tensions and should not be jettisoned for political expediency.

Echoing this viewpoint, Diran Odeyemi, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, maintained that clearly defining the zoning structure before the party’s national convention is crucial for strategic planning. 

He added that if the PDP retains its national chairman in the North, it would naturally follow that the presidential ticket should be zoned to the South.

Odeyemi also stressed the need for unity within the party, urging reconciliation with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. 

He argued that alienating Wike could further deepen internal rifts and called on the party to open channels for dialogue. 

“Reconciliation remains a core part of party building. We must listen, engage, and rebuild trust with every key stakeholder,” he said.

Contrary to these positions, PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, questioned the relevance of rigid zoning policies in modern-day politics. 

In an interview, he warned against letting ethnic and regional sentiments override merit and democratic processes.

While acknowledging the possibility of a southern presidential candidate, Osadolor emphasized that such a decision should stem from consensus at the party’s convention rather than being imposed for the sake of tradition. 

“The focus should be on choosing a candidate capable of addressing Nigeria’s pressing issues, regardless of their region,” he said.

He also criticized the growing perception of ethno-regional politics in national leadership, pointing out how recent administrations have been seen through the lens of ethnic bias. 

According to him, the PDP must learn from these missteps and prioritize competence.