2027 Election: PDP Missed Chance on Presidential Zoning, Says Wike Aide

Lere Olayinka, spokesperson to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) missed its chance to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South.

Speaking on Channels Television on Wednesday, Olayinka argued that had the party acted before the 2023 election, it would not be facing its current crisis.

“It is too late because we had the chance of doing the right thing three years ago that we did not do. If we had agreed with Wike, probably the party wouldn’t be where it is today,” Olayinka said.

Background of the Zoning Debate

In 2022, Wike and his G-5 allies pushed for the PDP to zone its presidential ticket to the South, insisting that fairness required a southern candidate since then-President Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner, was completing his tenure.

The party’s refusal deepened internal divisions, which weakened its performance during the 2023 elections.

Challenges Ahead of 2027

Olayinka warned that zoning the ticket to the South now presents fresh challenges:

“The ruling party already has its candidate from the South, who would have completed four years by 2027 and still has another four years ahead. Meanwhile, a fresh PDP candidate from the South would want a possible eight years. Will the North agree to that?”

To address northern concerns, reports suggest the PDP is exploring the possibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan or Peter Obi carrying its 2027 ticket.

Jonathan, under constitutional limits, can only serve one more four-year term.

Obi has hinted that he would be willing to serve only a single four-year term if elected.

According to Senator Abba Moro (Benue South), discussions are ongoing with both Jonathan and Obi about a potential return to the party, with Obi seen as a strong option for the PDP if he rejoins.