2027 Presidency Must Be Zoned to the South, Wike Insists
Abuja – Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nyesom Wike, has called on the party to formally zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, citing the need for fairness, equity, and adherence to the party’s constitution.
Wike made the demand during a press briefing on Monday, following a strategic meeting held by a faction of party heavyweights under the banner of “Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP.”
In a strongly worded communiqué, the group argued that after eight consecutive years of northern leadership under President Muhammadu Buhari, it is time for the South to produce the next presidential candidate of the PDP.
“In the spirit of fairness, inclusion, federal character principles, and respect for our party constitution, the party must make an unequivocal pronouncement zoning its presidential candidate to the South in the 2027 elections,” Wike read from the communiqué.
Party Leadership Crisis Resurfaces
The communiqué also delved into internal wrangling over the party’s leadership structure, taking aim at what it described as illegitimate actions within the party hierarchy. It emphasized that only Senator Sam Anyanwu, recognized by the group as the substantive National Secretary, has the legal authority to convene meetings or issue party correspondence.
“Only the National Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu, can issue notices of meetings for the National Convention, National Executive Committee, National Caucus, and the National Working Committee. Any notices or decisions not issued by him are null and void, including correspondences to INEC,” the statement declared.
This position underscores the faction’s discontent with perceived violations of the party’s rules, which they argue are fueling internal instability.
Wike Reaffirms Support for Anyanwu
Wike and the concerned stakeholders reaffirmed their loyalty to Senator Anyanwu and called on the party to honor the Supreme Court judgment which, according to them, confirms his legitimacy.
“To finally arrest the inexorable drift towards extinction in our party, the PDP must, without further delay, respect the judgment of the Supreme Court,” the group stated. “We, therefore, unequivocally reaffirm Senator Sam Anyanwu as the duly elected and substantive National Secretary of our great party.”
Context and Implications
Wike’s position highlights ongoing tensions within the PDP over leadership and zoning issues that have plagued the party in recent years and contributed to electoral setbacks. His bold call for southern representation in 2027 may resonate with regional blocs demanding a fair share in Nigeria’s power rotation system.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the PDP faces a critical test: can it resolve its internal divisions and present a united front, or will the fractures deepen further?
Reference
2027 Presidency Must Be Zoned to the South, Wike Insists