• George kicks, says nothing like micro-zoning in party’s constitution
• ‘Let Obi return to join hands to rebuild, revitalise PDP’
Some stakeholders have urged the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to go further by micro-zoning the 2027 presidential ticket to the South-East in the interest of justice, fairness, and equity.
They said that since the region remains the only zone in the South yet to produce the President since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, it would be politically expedient for the PDP to cede the ticket to the region.
A chieftain of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ralph Uwazurike, who led the call yesterday, said if the PDP truly understands the political mood of the country, “the best thing is to leave the ticket for the South-East.”
He, however, expressed doubts, noting that some political heavyweights, driven by personal interests, might frustrate the move.
According to him, “It is true that the party has zoned its presidential ticket to the South, but I doubt if someone like the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, would allow that to stand.”
Uwazurike added that it would be better if the PDP could woo former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, back into its fold.
But countering Uwazurike, a former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Bode George, told The Guardian that there is no provision for micro-zoning in the party’s constitution.
“The PDP wants to win the election in 2027 and, therefore, must present its best candidate from the South to compete with others. There is no room for sentiment. The South will sit down to select its best.”
He also disagreed with the suggestion that the PDP should woo Obi back, saying, “For what purpose? Obi hurriedly left PDP in 2023; nobody forced him out. If he wishes to return, fine. But to think that PDP will go and beg anyone is impossible.”
He, however, commended the PDP Governors’ Forum, particularly those from the North, who insisted the ticket must be zoned to the South.
Also, National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the PDP, Kosolowoe Ajisafe, has urged Nigerians, particularly those from the South-East, to allow the party to take gradual steps in its revitalisation process.
However, the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM), a group within the PDP, yesterday, faulted the National Executive Committee (NEC) decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, describing it as both a constitutional and strategic blunder.
The movement said that it would continue to advocate for Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim’s candidacy despite what it termed “a strategic and constitutional error” by the NEC.
