The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a move that has effectively ended the ambitions of former Senate President Bukola Saraki and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.
The decision was reached yesterday at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, following the adoption of reports presented by the Convention Committee, chaired by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, and the Zoning Panel, led by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri. The arrangement is expected to be ratified at the party’s national convention slated for November in Ibadan.
The zoning has rekindled interest among potential southern contenders. Names being linked to the race include Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi. Jonathan, who governed under the PDP from 2011 to 2015, is being urged to return by party figures such as former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and Governor Diri. Party insiders believe Jonathan’s candidacy may appeal to northern leaders, given that he would be limited to a single term if elected.
Meanwhile, former presidential aspirant Gbenga Olawepo Hashim rejected the zoning decision as unfair but insisted that he would still pursue the party’s ticket. While Makinde’s interest has neither been confirmed nor denied, Obi, who made a strong showing in the 2023 elections under the Labour Party, is also being lobbied to return to the PDP.