PDP Leaders Woo Jonathan as Zoning Rumpus Deepens Ahead of 2027
By IDNN Politics Desk
Consultations to Draft Jonathan
LAGOS — Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are holding high-level consultations to persuade former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the party’s 2027 presidential ticket, even as internal zoning disputes threaten party unity.
Sources close to Jonathan confirmed to Vanguard that party leaders met him recently to mount pressure, though he reportedly told them he was “still consulting.”
Zoning Sparks Fierce Debate
The PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) had zoned the 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a decision that has divided the party. Critics argue the move sidelines aspirants from the North-Central, where PDP chieftains say the region has never produced a president or vice president.
Olawepo-Hashim, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, has vowed to petition the convention, recalling that NEC’s past decisions have been overturned by delegates. “Let there be an open contest based on competence, who can manage Nigeria’s economic and security challenges,” he said.
PDP Defends Zoning Decision
The PDP leadership, however, has dismissed speculation that the zoning arrangement was designed to benefit Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. Spokesman Debo Ologunagba insisted the decision was taken to strengthen unity and maintain stability, not to glorify any individual.
“NEC, after consultations, decided to keep positions in the North where they are, retain positions in the South where they are, and zone the presidency to the South. This is about fairness and unity,” Ologunagba said.
Sacrifice for Unity
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed described the zoning as “a sacrifice for unity,” stressing that politics should be guided by collective interest, not personal ambition. “Politics is not about self-interest; it is about actualisation within the framework of party decisions and national progress,” he stated.
Rising Stakes Ahead of Convention
The PDP’s national convention is scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. Analysts say the dual pressure—Jonathan’s potential candidacy and Olawepo-Hashim’s rebellion against zoning—could make the gathering the party’s most consequential since 1999.
Jonathan has yet to publicly state his intention, but the possibility of his return has reignited debate over loyalty, legacy, and the South’s place in Nigeria’s political future.
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