Northern Blocs Push Back as PDP Zones 2027 Presidential Ticket to South

Nigeria’s political scene sharpened on Monday after the Peoples Democratic Party resolved at its 102nd NEC meeting in Abuja that the South should produce its 2027 presidential candidate. The decision, which mirrors the eight year rotation understanding between North and South, comes as President Bola Tinubu is expected to seek a second term on the APC platform.

Several northern groups condemned the move as marginalisation and warned it could weaken PDP support in the region. The Joint Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations called the decision unjust and a betrayal of long standing northern loyalty, while North Central stakeholders rejected both PDP and APC zoning arrangements and demanded fair inclusion for a zone that has never produced a civilian president or vice president.

The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement argued the PDP NEC lacks legal authority to limit contests by region, calling the move unconstitutional and strategically risky. Some northern PDP figures added that zoning to the South could hurt the party in parts of the North, though they noted the APC might also lose votes depending on who emerges from its primaries.

PDP leaders defended the decision. Former Deputy National Chairman Bode George said opponents were being selfish and manipulative, and party officials including Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor, Deputy National Legal Adviser Okechukwu Osuoha, and the PDP State Chairmen Forum’s Austin Nwachukwu hailed zoning as a unifying step ahead of 2027.

Beyond the backlash, some northern leaders are said to be weighing support for a credible southern contender, with names such as former President Goodluck Jonathan and Peter Obi mentioned. The African Democratic Congress criticised both major parties for focusing on zoning two years before the poll, arguing it shows disregard for the pressing needs of Nigerians.

With alignments shifting, Peter Obi’s next move remains in play as he consults allies on whether to return to the PDP or remain in the Labour Party. How the parties manage zoning, regional sensitivities, and candidate selection over the next year will shape the 2027 race.