2027: PDP’s Zoning Strategy a Political Trap for Obi, Jonathan, Amaechi – ADC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, calling it a calculated political move aimed at attracting high-profile figures such as Peter Obi, Goodluck Jonathan, and Rotimi Amaechi.

ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, criticising both the PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for prioritising political scheming over addressing Nigeria’s urgent socioeconomic issues.

“Why are we so preoccupied and behaving in such a way that Nigerians begin to look at the political elite across the divides as if we don’t care about them?” Abdullahi asked, referring to the early zoning arrangements by both major parties.

“A Game of Bait” – ADC Warns of Political Manipulation

The PDP recently zoned its presidential ticket to the South, while retaining the party chairmanship in the North — a move seen by some as an effort to mend internal divisions. At the same time, APC governors have endorsed President Bola Tinubu as their sole candidate for 2027, reinforcing the informal North-South power rotation.

Abdullahi, however, described these developments as tactical ploys, not genuine democratic strategies.

“They (APC and PDP) are very experienced people, and they know the implications of showing their way too early. So, it’s either they are playing a predetermined game or baiting some people to come around,” he said.

He pointed out that figures like Obi, Jonathan, and Amaechi may be the real targets of PDP’s zoning decision.

ADC Not Built Around Any Individual – Abdullahi

Addressing speculation that the ADC could become a platform for presidential aspirants dissatisfied with the PDP or APC, Abdullahi clarified that the party remains open but is not built around any single figure.

“In the papers yesterday, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar came out to say he is going to run for the presidency. Don’t forget we still have the likes of Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and others who are interested in running, and we have reiterated that they have an equal chance,” he stated.

He emphasized that the ADC has not yet decided on zoning and is instead focused on grassroots mobilisation and building strong party structures across the country.

“As far as the ADC is concerned, we are not having that kind of conversation now. What is most important to us is to convince Nigerians that we represent that alternative that can bring respite to their current sufferings,” he said.

“We See Through the Game” – ADC Undeterred by PDP Strategy

Abdullahi reaffirmed that the PDP’s zoning strategy does not intimidate or distract the ADC.

“We are not bothered with what the PDP has done. Nigerians can see right into it. PDP people are not naïve; they are very experienced politicians. For them to take that decision two years ahead of the presidential election, there must be a game on — and we can see right through it,” he declared.

“We are not pressured; we are focused on our party.”

As Nigeria’s political landscape begins to take shape ahead of 2027, the ADC is positioning itself as a genuine alternative focused on citizen welfare rather than elite calculations — even as the major parties gear up for another high-stakes presidential contest.