2027 Presidency: PDP Moves to Woo Jonathan Amid Zoning Controversy

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is ramping up internal efforts to persuade former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election under its platform, even as a fierce debate over the party’s decision to zone the ticket to the South continues to generate tension within the ranks.

High-Level Push for Jonathan

Sources close to the former president confirmed that PDP leaders recently held a meeting with Jonathan in a bid to pressure him into joining the race. While Jonathan reportedly expressed appreciation, he told the delegation that he was “still consulting and would get back to them.”

The move to lure Jonathan comes as part of a broader strategy by the party to unify its base and present a strong candidate capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

Zoning Sparks Internal Division

The PDP’s decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South — announced after its 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja — has not been without backlash. While the party argues the move is to ensure stability and unity, some Northern stakeholders see it as exclusionary and politically motivated.

Olawepo-Hashim: Zoning Will Be Overturned

Presidential aspirant Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has outrightly rejected the zoning directive, insisting it has no legal standing until ratified by the national convention, which he intends to petition.

“This zoning decision will not stand,” he told journalists in Abuja, citing a precedent from 2000 when a similar NEC decision was overturned at the convention. “Why should the PDP zone its presidential ticket to the South and shut people out? That’s not democracy.”

Warning that the legality of NEC’s decision will be challenged, Olawepo-Hashim added:
“Nigeria is bleeding. Anyone afraid of an open contest is not fit to be President. We need a President for Nigeria — not just for the North or South.”

He further emphasized the North-Central’s historical exclusion from producing a president or vice president and vowed to remain in the race.

FCT PDP Endorses Olawepo-Hashim

In a show of support, PDP stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) endorsed Olawepo-Hashim’s candidacy, denouncing the NEC’s zoning decision. At a meeting attended by local party leaders, a motion to adopt him as FCT’s political leader was unanimously passed.

Party chieftain Soko Dobo declared:
“The national chairman himself said zoning does not mean others cannot contest. We in the North Central are fully behind Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim.”

PDP Denies Zoning Was to Glorify Wike

Amid speculation that the zoning decision was designed to favor FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, the party has strongly denied such claims. PDP’s National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba clarified on Arise Television that the decision was aimed at promoting party stability, not glorifying individuals.

“NEC decided to maintain positions in the North where they are, retain those in the South, and zone the presidency to the South. This was about fairness and unity, not about anyone’s personal ambitions,” Ologunagba said.

He dismissed suggestions that the party was in crisis, asserting:
“The PDP was never in ICU. Like any organisation, we’ve faced challenges. But we’ve recalibrated and are ready to deliver.”

On dissenting voices like Senator Abba Moro and the North-Central Renaissance Movement, he said the party was still focused on reconciliation:
“We continue to engage, consult, and reconcile. Where we were six months ago is not where we are today.”

He also confirmed the PDP’s national convention is scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, and assured all logistical and security arrangements are in place.

Bala Mohammed: Zoning is a Sacrifice for Unity

Supporting the zoning decision, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State said it was made in the spirit of sacrifice, unity, and progress.

“Politics is not about self-interest. Everything is predicated on sacrifice,” he told reporters.
He said the PDP had agreed to retain existing zoning for party offices and zone the presidency to the South to “promote sanity, understanding, and unity.”

As the PDP prepares for its national convention, tensions over the zoning formula, the potential return of Goodluck Jonathan, and internal power plays continue to define the party’s pre-election positioning ahead of the 2027 presidential race.