2027 Presidency: Makinde, others to fight for PDP ticket

Seyi Makinde, Executive Governor of Oyo State

-SEB EDITORIAL-

PDP’s Southern Gamble—A Defining Moment for Nigeria’s Opposition

As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has made a decisive move that could reshape the nation’s political trajectory: zoning its presidential ticket to the South. This strategic pivot, ratified at the party’s 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, signals both a reckoning with past missteps and a recalibration of its future ambitions.

Learning from the Past, Rewriting the Future

The PDP’s history with zoning has been turbulent. In 2015, internal resistance to Goodluck Jonathan’s candidacy fractured the party. In 2023, the refusal to separate the zones of the presidential candidate and national chairman, both held by northerners, led to electoral defeat and defections. Now, with Umar Damagum confirmed as National Chairman from the North, the party has corrected course by zoning the presidential ticket to the South, a move many see as long overdue.

The Southern Contenders: Promise and Peril

With the ticket now open to southern aspirants, three names dominate the conversation:

• Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, is emerging as a strategic insider. Credited with stabilizing the PDP post-2023, Makinde enjoys strong support within the party, especially in the South-West. Yet, his national recognition remains limited, and he must scale up his visibility to compete on a broader stage.
• Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party candidate, remains a political wildcard. His reformist image and passionate youth following make him a formidable contender. Though not currently in the PDP, ongoing meetings with top opposition figures suggest a possible return. His decision, expected after the November governorship elections, could redefine the opposition landscape.
• Goodluck Jonathan, the former president, is being floated as a one-term compromise candidate. His peaceful legacy and appeal to northern blocs make him a unifying figure, but critics argue that his return could undermine reformist momentum and alienate younger voters.

Public Sentiment: A Nation at the Crossroads

Polls and public discourse reveal a complex tapestry of hopes and hesitations. Obi leads in online sentiment, especially among youth and urban voters. Makinde is gaining traction within PDP ranks, while Jonathan evokes nostalgia but also skepticism. The PDP must navigate these currents carefully, balancing internal loyalty with national appeal.

Unity, Sacrifice, and Reconciliation

The PDP’s NEC emphasized three pillars for success: unity, sacrifice, and reconciliation. These aren’t mere slogans, they’re survival strategies. The party must rebuild trust, welcome defectors, and present a cohesive front. As BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara noted, “Unity is not a mere slogan. It is the lifeblood of any political organisation”.

Strategic Outlook: Can PDP Challenge Tinubu?

The ruling APC remains confident. Its Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the PDP’s zoning move as irrelevant, asserting that President Tinubu’s performance will secure re-election. Yet, the PDP’s internal reforms and strategic repositioning suggest a party that’s learning, evolving, and preparing for a serious challenge.

Let’s Take A Break

The PDP’s southern gamble is more than a zoning decision, it’s a test of political maturity. Whether it rallies behind Makinde’s pragmatism, Obi’s populism, or Jonathan’s legacy, the party must present not just a candidate, but a vision. Nigeria’s democracy depends on a vibrant opposition. The question is: can the PDP rise to the occasion?