2027: PDP NEC Members Divided Over Zoning Presidency to the South

Last updated: Jun 22, 2025. 6:04 am

By Praise Ben

3 Min Read

PDP Speaks On Joining Coalition

2027: PDP NEC Members Divided Over Zoning Presidency to the South.
Some push for southern candidate; others favour open contest.
Reconciliation with Wike seen as key to party unity.

As the 2027 general election approaches, members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Committee (NEC) have expressed differing opinions on whether the party should stick to its constitutional zoning arrangement or allow an open contest for its presidential ticket.

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that this debate follows recent comments by party chieftain Olabode George, who urged the PDP to honour its zoning policy by selecting a presidential candidate from the South. George argued that zoning was introduced by the party’s founding fathers to address power-sharing concerns among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.

In support of George’s stance, Diran Odeyemi, a NEC member and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, told Sunday PUNCH that early clarity on zoning would provide direction ahead of the party’s convention slated for later this year.

“If we agree the national chairmanship remains in the North, then our presidential candidate should come from the South. The zoning committee will guide the process,” Odeyemi stated.

He also called for reconciliation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, stressing that addressing Wike’s grievances was essential for party unity. “Wike needs the party as much as the party needs him. Ignoring him will only widen internal cracks,” he said.

However, Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor disagreed, insisting that zoning should not override merit or democratic choice.

“I don’t believe in stifling democracy. We should focus on competence, not ethnicity. Nigerians want a leader who can solve problems, not just a product of zoning,” Osadolor argued.

The issue of zoning is expected to dominate discussions at the PDP’s upcoming 100th NEC meeting scheduled for June 30 in Abuja.