2027 Presidency: Northern Groups Reject PDP’s Zoning Move, Warn of Declining Support

Northern political groups have cast doubt on the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) prospects in the 2027 presidential election, warning that zoning the party’s presidential ticket to the South could further erode its support base in the North.

The backlash follows the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Monday, August 25, in Abuja, where the party formally adopted the zoning committee’s recommendation to field a Southern candidate in 2027 and confirmed Iliya Damagum as substantive national chairman.

“PDP Has Lost the North” – Arewa Youth Leader

Salihu Mohammed Danlami, leader of the Arewa Youth Assembly, criticised the PDP’s zoning decision, blaming the party’s decline in the North on its failure to uphold rotational principles in previous elections.

“There was a gentleman’s agreement on power rotation: eight years in the North, then eight years in the South. In 2023, PDP broke the arrangement by giving the ticket to Atiku. That was the beginning of the crisis,” he said.

According to Danlami, many Northerners now view the PDP as lacking credibility and are shifting allegiance to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“Many in the North have already moved to the ADC. Today, PDP is seen by some as little more than a civil society group advocating others’ interests,” he added.

“Zoning Will Strengthen Unity” – PDP Legal Adviser Osuoha

In contrast, Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha, PDP Deputy National Legal Adviser, defended the zoning policy, calling it a strategic move to unify the party ahead of 2027.

“The zoning arrangement is the best step the PDP has taken to stabilise the party. We’re putting our house in order and getting ready to rescue Nigeria from the poor governance of the APC,” he said.

Osuoha noted that the party’s upcoming elective national convention in November would further consolidate internal cohesion.

“We adopted the zoning committee’s report wholeheartedly. These steps show the PDP is focused, united, and determined to move forward,” he stated.

North Seeks One-Term Southern Candidate – Party Insider

A senior PDP insider revealed that the zoning move has recalibrated Northern political strategy, with stakeholders now looking for a Southern candidate who can serve one term and return power to the North by 2031.

“Zoning to the South was a necessary compromise. What we want now is a candidate who can defeat Tinubu, unify the party, and step down after one term,” the source said.

The insider identified former President Goodluck Jonathan as the leading option.

“Jonathan ticks all the boxes: national appeal, goodwill, and a one-term guarantee. That gives the North confidence that power will return peacefully by 2031,” the insider noted.

He dismissed other aspirants’ one-term pledges as political posturing.

“Only Jonathan can be trusted to keep that commitment. That’s why he’s emerging as the consensus choice among northern leaders.”

“PDP Needs New Northern Voices” – Abduljabbar Rufai

Abduljabbar Rufai, a PDP chieftain from Kano, said Atiku Abubakar’s dominance in previous primaries had stifled other Northern voices. He believes Atiku’s exit has opened the door for fresh leadership.

“In the past, whatever Atiku said was what the North followed in the PDP. That is no longer the case,” Rufai said.

He acknowledged that zoning to the South may dent PDP’s northern support, but warned that the APC could also be vulnerable if Atiku contests under another party.

“If Atiku joins the ADC, it could split votes in the North, hurting both PDP and APC,” he added.

“A Bold Step Toward Unity” – Timothy Osadolor

Timothy Osadolor, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, hailed the zoning decision as a bold return to party values.

“For years, the PDP was accused of betraying its principles. Zoning the presidency to the South shows courage and a return to fairness and equity,” he said.

Osadolor rejected suggestions that Atiku’s exit would collapse the party.

“The PDP is not built around one man. His exit could energize the party and create space for fresh leadership.”

“Opposition to Zoning Now Settled” – Hon. Austin Nwachukwu

Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, Chairman of the PDP State Chairmen Forum and Imo State PDP Chairman, who previously opposed the southern zoning consultative meeting, has now accepted the NEC’s resolution.

“Yes, there was some initial opposition, but that is behind us now. The party has taken the right step, and we are satisfied,” he said.

Despite growing northern dissent, party leaders argue that the zoning decision was necessary to prevent further fragmentation and ensure the PDP presents a unified front in 2027. With internal reforms underway and strategic alignments shifting, the battle for the presidency is already heating up within opposition ranks.