Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, has firmly stated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should not consider zoning its 2027 presidential ticket to the north. During a media engagement on Monday, Wike cautioned the party against repeating the missteps that led to discontent in the previous election cycle.
“Why not, as a party, come out openly and say our presidential candidate will come from the south?” Wike questioned, emphasizing the necessity for clarity and direction within the party. “You don’t want to do that. You want to play the same game you played in 2023. It would backfire. This smartness won’t help you. Come out now and let everybody know where you are heading. You can’t send the presidency to the north.”
Wike underlined the importance of strategic decision-making, warning that the selfishness within the party could lead to systemic failure. He illustrated his point by discussing the potential ramifications if the current president wins re-election in 2027: “For example, if Mr. President runs and wins in 2027, by 2031 the APC will likely send their presidential ticket to the north. What will the PDP do then? You will come back and say since APC is sending it to the north, let’s give the north our presidential ticket. What kind of smartness is that?”
If the PDP decides to adhere to a southern zoning policy, it may disqualify key figures like former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar from seeking the party’s presidential nomination. Abubakar, who has expressed an unwavering commitment to pursuing the presidency as long as he is in good health, has been a prominent figure in the party’s recent electoral landscape.
The ongoing internal tensions within the PDP are rooted in prior zoning disputes that emerged before the 2023 presidential election. Prior to the party’s primary in 2022, several stakeholders advocated for a southern presidential ticket. However, the party ultimately chose to open the contest, leading to polarization and dissent, particularly among five governors—including Wike—who refused to support Abubakar, the party’s candidate in the last election.