Opposition recalibrates after 2023 fallout; ruling party eyes major decoy strategy with Kano heavyweight in its sights
Byline : IDNN Political Desk
ABUJA — The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has officially zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, triggering a domino effect of political recalibration across Nigeria’s power blocs. The decision, ratified at the party’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, was described as “historic” and aimed at rebuilding trust with southern members alienated during the 2023 primaries.
Meanwhile, in what appears to be a direct counterstrike, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has hinted at the possible return of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano governor and NNPP presidential candidate, to the party — a move that could dramatically alter Northern voter dynamics ahead of 2027.
🔻 PDP NEC: South gets the ticket, North retains party positions
A PDP NEC member told IDNN that the zoning decision was driven by a need to correct what the party’s founding fathers called “a strategic imbalance” during the last election cycle.
“The recommendation was clear: to rebuild southern trust, the ticket must go South. We’ve kept the existing zoning formula for party offices to avoid further conflict,” the source said.
The national convention venue was also shifted from Kano to Ibadan, Oyo State, further signaling the party’s southern pivot. The convention will now hold on November 15–16, 2025.
🔺 APC’s Yilwatda opens doors: “Our party is for everyone — even
returnees”
In a separate political twist, newly confirmed APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda stoked speculation about defections when he said the APC remains “open to all who wish to return home,” in an interview on Channels TV.
When pressed specifically about Kwankwaso, he responded:
“Our doors are open. When the time is right, it will manifest — that goes for everyone returning to the APC.”
The calculated ambiguity has fueled talk of high-level negotiations between Kwankwaso’s associates and APC powerbrokers seeking to reclaim Kano State’s massive voting base.
🔻 Kwankwaso remains silent as NNPP reels from Kano court battles
The timing couldn’t be more sensitive. Kwankwaso, founder of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, has been navigating political turbulence since the controversial court-ordered removal of NNPP’s Kano State governor earlier this year. The legal setbacks have weakened NNPP’s internal grip, creating openings for rival camps.
Though Kwankwaso has remained silent on the APC speculation, analysts believe his return — or even rumored intent — could reframe regional alignments and disrupt opposition coalition talks involving Peter Obi’s Labour Party.
“This is a warning shot,” said analyst Abba Mohammed. “PDP pivots South, and APC signals North. The 2027 chessboard is live.”
🔺 Political geography: Why both moves matter
The PDP’s shift to the South could reignite hopes in the South-East and South-South for a fresh candidacy, possibly favoring Peter Obi, Nyesom Wike, or even Atiku Abubakar stepping aside for a power transfer.
For the APC, reclaiming Kwankwaso may secure Kano — the most electorally valuable state — and neutralize NNPP’s threat before coalition talks gain traction.
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