PDP’s 2027 Zoning Decision Came Too Late – Wike’s Aide

 Spokesperson to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka has said the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South is “coming too late to make any real impact.”

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Wednesday, Olayinka argued that had the PDP heeded Wike and his G-5 allies before the 2023 elections, the party would not be facing its current crisis.

“It is too late because we had the chance of doing the right thing three years ago, and we did not,” he said. “If we had agreed with him (Wike) then, probably the party wouldn’t be where it is today. Now the head is off, and we are crying.”

He recalled that in 2022, Wike and his allies had insisted the presidential ticket be zoned to the South, citing fairness since then-President Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner, was completing his tenure.

According to Olayinka, the PDP now faces a tougher political reality as it prepares for 2027. “You are now saying the president should come from the South, but the party in power already has a southern candidate who would have spent four years and will be seeking another four. Now you’re presenting your own southern candidate to the North—will the North agree with someone just starting out, who may want eight years in office, instead of four?” he asked.

The PDP recently confirmed that its 2027 presidential ticket would be zoned to the South. However, critics like Olayinka maintain that the decision may not deliver the desired outcome due to the party’s earlier missteps.

To address concerns over northern acceptance, the party is reportedly considering figures who can only serve a single term.

Among those being mentioned are former President Goodluck Jonathan who is constitutionally limited to one more four-year term and former Anambra governor Peter Obi, who has pledged to serve only one term if elected.

PDP senator representing Benue South, Abba Moro, also disclosed that discussions have been ongoing with both Jonathan and Obi about a possible return to the party, adding that Obi would be considered for the ticket if he rejoined.