Wike Warns PDP Against Zoning 2027 Presidential Ticket to the North
Abuja — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nyesom Wike, has cautioned the party against zoning its 2027 presidential ticket to the North, stating that such a move would be politically unwise and harmful to the PDP’s future prospects.
Speaking during a recent media engagement, Wike stressed the importance of fairness, balance, and strategic foresight as the party begins its preparations for the 2027 general elections. He emphasized that the PDP must learn from its missteps in the 2023 cycle, where zoning disputes and internal disunity hampered its performance at the polls.
“As a party built on national unity and equity, we must uphold rotational principles to keep public trust and internal cohesion,” Wike stated. “Zoning the presidential ticket to the North again in 2027 would amount to marginalizing the South, and that would create further cracks in our party.”
He noted that the North produced the party’s candidate in 2023, making it only fair for the South to be considered for 2027 in the spirit of inclusivity and equity. Wike warned that sidelining the South would risk alienating critical support bases, thereby weakening the PDP’s electoral strength.
The former Rivers State governor urged party leaders to initiate early consultations and consensus-building to present a united and formidable front. According to him, any action perceived as favoritism or exclusionary would erode confidence in the PDP and cost it votes from key regions.
Wike’s statement comes at a critical moment as the PDP undergoes internal reforms and works to reposition itself as a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His position is expected to trigger serious debate among party stakeholders, particularly from the North.
