A People’s Democratic Party (PDP) coalition has called on the party to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South to wrestle power from the ruling All Progressives Party (APC).
The Coalition of PDP Intellectuals —a global network of support groups made up of intellectuals—made the call while addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday.
Grema Muhammad, the coalition’s National Coordinator, said: “As we build up to 2027, we are staunchly warning the leaders of our party that this time, we must put party interests first and, above all, we must return the party to the southern part of the country.
“Furthermore, we should step forward by fielding vibrant, intelligent, tested and trusted individuals to represent the PDP come 2027.
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“This is a Clarion and noble call for all PDP party faithful, elders, governors, stakeholders and members. Let’s all heed this call and begin the drive to actualize this now.
“We are calling for a twin reform of Zoning Party ticket to the South and seeking out competency and ability as the guiding benchmark.”
The party was dragged into crisis in the build-up to the 2023 presidential election over call for the ticket to be zoned to the Southern part of the country.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is from the North, held onto the ticket and was defeated by the APC’s candidate, Bola Tinubu.
There are concerns that Atiku may want to contest for the position again come 2027 but the Coalition noted that: “We are using this medium to call out those who are so passionate in serving the country by always aspiring for the Party’s presidential ticket irrespective of situations and dictate of the times and season, to know that it is also a call to service when you support the party and other people too.”