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?
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