The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the southern region of Nigeria, setting the stage for fresh political alignments ahead of the next general elections.
The decision, reached after a series of consultations among party leaders, is in line with the PDP’s zoning arrangement aimed at balancing power between the North and South. Party officials said the move was intended to promote equity and unity within the party as it prepares to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
By zoning the ticket to the South, the PDP has effectively opened the field for prominent southern politicians to vie for the party’s presidential nomination. Although the party has not released an official list of potential aspirants, speculation is already mounting around names from the South-West, South-East, and South-South geopolitical zones.
Analysts note that the decision could reshape political calculations, both within the PDP and across the wider political landscape. It also reflects longstanding debates over power rotation in Nigeria’s democracy, a principle designed to ensure fair representation for the country’s diverse regions.
The PDP, which governed Nigeria from 1999 to 2015, has struggled to regain power since losing the presidency to the APC. With zoning now settled, attention is expected to shift to the choice of candidate and the alliances the party will build in the run-up to 2027.
Party leaders have urged members to close ranks and work towards presenting a united front.
