By, Merciful Omoba
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the Southern region of Nigeria, a move confirmed by Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor. This decision comes as the party convenes its National Caucus, Board of Trustees (BoT), and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings in Abuja, aiming to resolve protracted internal disputes and ratify pending congresses ahead of the crucial general elections.
Osadolor stated that the presidential ticket is now open to all eligible southerners, emphasizing that the NEC meetings are part of a broader effort to rebuild and reposition the party.
However, the PDP’s path to unity appears fraught with challenges. A group identifying as “PDP Founding Fathers” under the “Consultative Conference” has publicly declared its intention to reclaim the party’s original legacy, hinting at deeper foundational rifts.
Adding to the internal disarray, the South-East PDP has emphatically disowned Chief Ali Odefa as its National Vice Chairman. The faction insists that Egwu Chidiebere Goodluck is the legitimate occupant of the office, citing multiple court judgments that allegedly expelled Odefa from the party and barred him from participating in PDP activities. Speaking on behalf of the group, Seprebofa Oyeghe warned the national leadership against recognizing Odefa at the NEC meeting, threatening severe legal consequences for any perceived contempt of court.
In a surprising twist, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, alongside key PDP leaders in the state, has publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027. This endorsement, which followed a stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo, was attributed to President Tinubu’s “Osun roots” and his grassroots support. Despite this cross-party support for the incumbent president, Governor Adeleke and the Osun PDP also reaffirmed their commitment to Adeleke’s re-election bid in the 2026 Osun governorship election under the PDP banner.
The outcomes of these crucial meetings and the various internal dynamics are expected to significantly shape the PDP’s trajectory as the 2027 elections draw nearer.
