PDP 2027 Presidential Ticket zoning to the South gains strong backing as Chief Bode George insists on fairness, equity, and justice within the party.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart and elder statesman, Chief Bode George, has once again reaffirmed his unwavering support for the party’s decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South.
He warned that any attempt to subvert the zoning arrangement could further destabilise the party and erode the confidence of Nigerians who are already demanding fairness and equity in governance.
Speaking during a television interview, George hailed the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) for its decision, stressing that the zoning principle, which has been part of the PDP’s foundation since its formation in 1998, remains central to peace and stability within the party.
He emphasised that zoning was not just an internal arrangement but a moral contract between the PDP and Nigerians, one that reflects the country’s multi-ethnic diversity and the need for inclusiveness.
George explained that the zoning formula was conceived as a stabilising mechanism to ensure balance, inclusion, and unity in Nigeria’s political system.
He compared it to Switzerland’s rotational leadership among its different linguistic and cultural groups, describing it as a model that helps to manage diversity and prevent domination by any single group.
According to him, the zoning principle is deeply enshrined in the PDP constitution, particularly in Section 7, subsection 3(c), which mandates the rotation of key political and party offices.
“You cannot have both the national chairman and the president from the same zone. That completely negates the spirit and letter of our constitution,” George insisted.
The elder statesman argued that, given the recent political history of Nigeria, the South is naturally entitled to the 2027 presidential ticket.
He pointed out that President Muhammadu Buhari from Katsina State in the North had just completed two consecutive terms of eight years. In line with fairness and balance, he said, power must return to the South.
“Let us be clear,” he stressed.
“This is not a favour being done to the South. It is simply justice, equity, and fairness.
Buhari from Katsina has served eight years. Now, by tradition and by principle, it is the turn of the South.”
George also dismissed suggestions that zoning would limit merit or competence, arguing instead that the South is filled with capable, experienced, and visionary leaders who are qualified to govern Nigeria.
Chief George commended PDP governors, elders, and other stakeholders for rising above personal ambitions to endorse the zoning formula.
He described their collective stance as a bold step towards healing internal divisions and rebuilding the party’s battered image.
However, he had stern words for those opposing the decision.
“We have been patient with them, but enough is enough.
“They must fall in line. If they persist in undermining our rules and constitution, the sledgehammer will come down on them after the convention,” he warned.
George accused such dissenters of selfishness and political greed, warning that putting personal interest above the collective good could spell disaster for the party.
He reminded them that repeated violations of the zoning arrangement in the past had triggered crises and weakened the PDP’s electoral fortunes.
Interestingly, George revealed that the zoning decision had already begun to attract some defectors back to the PDP.
He disclosed that several members who left for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) because of zoning controversies were now returning, convinced that the party had returned to its founding principles.
“Even those who abandoned us in frustration have come back, they now see that justice and equity are the only way forward.
“Yesterday, at our meeting, we had former members who left for APC and ADC sitting with us again. That is proof that the decision is unifying,” he said.
Beyond the zoning debate, Chief George appealed to party members to remain focused on the bigger picture—Nigeria’s governance and the wellbeing of its citizens.
He warned that endless wrangling within the PDP would only weaken the party and provide an advantage to its political rivals.
“Nigerians are tired. They are hungry, angry, and disillusioned. If we continue fighting ourselves, our opponents will only grow stronger.
“The only way the people will trust us again is if we practise what we preach—justice, fairness, and discipline—inside our own party,” he remarked.
George urged PDP members to disagree respectfully without jeopardising party unity. “We can disagree without being disagreeable,” he said. “But the red line must be clear—our rules are sacrosanct and must be obeyed.”
The PDP chieftain also had a strong message for those still plotting to manipulate the system for personal gain. He described them as political opportunists whose obsession with power had blinded them to the collective good.
“For years, I have warned that personalisation and greed would destroy this party.
“Those who insist on ‘me, me, me’ must retrace their steps. Nigeria is bigger than anyone’s ambition.
“The South has competent leaders, and this is our rightful turn. We will defend it with all fairness,” he declared.
With the PDP’s national convention scheduled for November, Chief George expressed confidence that the zoning decision would stand firm despite opposition from a few quarters.
He maintained that the NEC’s endorsement was binding and that the broader membership of the party would rally behind it during the convention.
According to him, once the formula is ratified, the PDP will be better positioned to present itself as a credible alternative to Nigerians who are yearning for change.
“Our party’s image has been battered in recent years, but this decision will restore confidence.
Nigerians will see that we are serious about fairness and ready to govern responsibly,” he concluded.