Inside the 2027 PDP Ticket Controversy: South vs North
Reaction from Northern Factions
Strong Rejection from Youth Groups
The Joint Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations (JACON) strongly condemned the move as “unjust, undemocratic, and a betrayal” of the North—citing the region’s long-standing loyalty to the party and its minimal time in actual power despite decades of support.
They’ve warned of “grave political consequences” and plan to mobilize their structures to push back, framing this as a regional marginalization.
Opposition from Northern Elders and Leaders
- Salihu Mohammed Danlami of the Arewa Youth Assembly reiterated that the party’s credibility was damaged when it broke the informal “gentleman’s agreement” of rotational zoning in 2023, arguing that many Northerners have shifted support to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
- Prof. K’tso Nghargbu, representing North Central stakeholders, warned that both PDP and APC risk losing Northern support—and suggested the ADC could emerge as an alternative if it fields a credible Northern candidate.
Strategic Calculations and Adjustments in the North
Seeking a Southern Candidate with Northern Trust
Inside the party, some Northern leaders now see the zoning decision not as exclusion but as a strategic pressure relief valve. They’re reportedly rallying behind a Southern candidate who has:
- National appeal,
- Credibility, and
- A commitment to a single term, ensuring a smooth return to the North in 2031.
Goodluck Jonathan emerges as the top contender under consideration—valued for his experience, acceptability, and one-term assurance.
Internal Realignments
While some factions are adapting by supporting certain Southern figures, others—like Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim—warned that zoning should not become a distraction from running a strong national campaign focused on competence rather than regional arrangements.
Moreover, critics like Abdulrazaq Hamzat have cautioned against making informal statements (such as those attributed to Jerry Gana) appear as binding party decisions, emphasizing legal and constitutional constraints on zoning.
Summary: Northern Divisions Sparked by Zoning to the South
| Northern Faction | Response to Zoning Decision |
|---|---|
| Youth Groups (JACON) | Outright rejection; plan for mobilization and political resistance |
| Arewa Youth Assembly / Other Elder Leaders | Accuse PDP of broken promises; considering shift to ADC |
| Strategic Northern Insiders | Accept zoning as a compromise; seek manageable Southern candidate (e.g., Jonathan) |
| Internal Critics (e.g., Olawepo-Hashim, Hamzat) | Advise focus on merit and legal adherence rather than divisive rhetoric |
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