As the PDP intensifies preparations for the 2027 presidential elections, its National Executive Committee (NEC) is sharply divided over the zoning of the ticket. A faction led by Chief Olabode George insists the party should honour its zoning arrangement—rotational leadership—and field its presidential candidate from the South .
Backing George’s stance, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary Diran Odeyemi argued that if the national chairmanship remains in the North, the presidency should swing South. Odeyemi urges that the party’s zoning committee provide clear direction ahead of the national convention, and highlights the need to reconcile with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to heal internal discord .
In contrast, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor opposes strict zoning. He warns that prioritising ethnicity over merit stifles democracy, and asserts that candidate selection should be based on competence, not region. Osadolor supports a southern candidate only if the NEC democratically endorses the decision at the forthcoming convention .
The zoning question is slated to dominate discussions at the PDP’s 100th NEC meeting scheduled for June 30 in Abuja, marking a crucial litmus test for unity within the party .
