2027: PDP’s Southern Zoning Stirs Division in the North

The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) decision to reserve its 2027 presidential ticket for Southern Nigeria has sparked sharp divisions among northern political actors and groups, raising concerns over fairness and inclusivity.

At its 102nd National Executive Committee meeting on Monday, the party resolved to zone the presidency to the South while retaining the current National Working Committee led by acting chairman, Umar Damagum.

While some northern PDP veterans such as former Information Minister, Prof. Jerry Gana, have publicly backed the decision—arguing that fielding a southern candidate would strengthen the party’s chances against President Bola Tinubu—other northern voices insist the move could backfire, weakening the party’s grip on a region long regarded as its electoral stronghold.

Yerima Shettima, President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, told journalists that zoning the ticket amounts to “silencing” qualified aspirants from the North. According to him, the PDP risks alienating millions of northern voters who may view the arrangement as undemocratic. He warned that such discontent could push northern politicians and voters to rally behind President Tinubu, who is expected to seek a second term on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The North may decide that rather than being excluded, it is better to close ranks and support Tinubu,” Shettima said, adding that the PDP’s approach could erode confidence in its democratic credentials.

North Central Kicks Back

From the North Central zone, leaders under the North Central Renaissance Movement openly rejected the PDP’s zoning verdict, insisting their region deserves priority.

At a press briefing in Abuja, the group’s chairperson, Prof. K’tso Nghargbu, argued that the zone remains the only part of the country yet to produce either a President or Vice President since independence.

“Zoning should not be reduced to just North and South. Within these blocs, there must be equity. Our people are tired of being overlooked despite our contributions to Nigeria’s unity and development,” Nghargbu stated. He warned that ignoring the zone in 2027 could cost the PDP millions of votes.

Youth Groups Condemn Decision

A coalition of northern youth organisations, operating under the Joint Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations (JACON), described the zoning as a betrayal of the North.

At a Kaduna press conference, the group’s spokesperson, Sani Yaya, said, “The PDP has enjoyed massive support from the North since 1999. To suddenly exclude the region from the 2027 contest is unjust and could have dire political consequences.”

Similarly, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) faulted the decision, with its National Coordinator, Jamilu Charanchi, stressing that presidential contests should remain open to all Nigerians. He argued that zoning both the chairmanship and presidential ticket to one side of the country undermines the principle of balance.

Analysts Weigh In

Political commentators say the zoning debate could widen existing cracks in the opposition party, which has struggled to recover since losing power in 2015.

Kaduna-based analyst, Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed, noted that while the PDP may see zoning to the South as a strategy for national balance, it risks eroding the trust of its most reliable voting bloc—the North.

ACF Calls for Patience

Meanwhile, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has urged restraint, describing the zoning matter as “premature.”

The Forum’s Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, told reporters that internal party processes are still unfolding and that it is too early to draw conclusions about 2027.

Former ACF Secretary-General, Anthony Sani, added that zoning remains a double-edged sword, recalling how it worked in favour of Tinubu in 2023 when he defeated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

In sum, while the PDP’s zoning decision is meant to strengthen its southern base and balance the political equation, it has deepened disquiet in the North—raising the risk of defections, voter apathy, and possible realignments ahead of 2027.