Inuwa Mohammed Bassi, a member of the House of Representatives representing Mayo-Belwa, Jada, Ganye, and Toungo Federal Constituency in Adamawa State, has argued that the People's Democratic Party (PDP) can only reclaim power in the 2027 presidential election if it fields a candidate from Nigeria’s southern region.
In an interview with Arewa Punch in Yola on Friday, the lawmaker stressed that fielding a southerner would strategically align the PDP with current political sentiments and strengthen the party’s appeal across regions.
“The PDP's path to victory in 2027 lies in presenting a presidential candidate from the same zone where the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has zoned its current leadership. This will create a more level playing field,” Bassi stated.
He emphasized that rotating the presidency to the South would send a strong message of inclusivity, helping the party move beyond long-standing divisions rooted in ethnicity, religion, and regional loyalty.
“This approach will dismantle barriers and political fault lines. The PDP can then leverage its traditional dominance in the North and combine it with substantial votes from the South to secure national victory,” he added.
Atiku’s Presidential Bid Lacks Momentum — Bassi
Speaking candidly about the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, Bassi noted that the former vice president’s ambition appears to be losing traction.
“Atiku's current political momentum is not strong enough to generate the mass support and mobilization required for a successful campaign,” he observed.
While he did not entirely rule out Atiku’s relevance in national politics, Bassi implied that a new direction is needed if the party hopes to return to power in 2027.
Defections to APC Driven by Self-Interest, Not Ideology
Addressing the recent wave of defections by some PDP leaders to the APC, Bassi downplayed their significance, labeling the moves as opportunistic rather than ideological.
“If they were truly politically influential, the PDP would have won the 2023 elections. What we are witnessing is not about policy or belief it’s about individuals chasing appointments and personal gain,” he said.
He predicted that the tide would turn in PDP’s favor as the political landscape shifts in the lead-up to 2027.
“By 2026, you will see many of those now in the APC or other parties trying to rejoin the PDP. The party will become the platform of choice once again.”
Criticism of APC-Led Government: “Super Highways Can’t Feed Hungry Nigerians”
Bassi didn’t mince words in criticizing the performance of the APC-led federal government, particularly the timing of recent infrastructure announcements. He took aim at the Minister of Works, who has been actively flagging off major highway construction projects across states.
“Just last week, the Minister of Works was moving from state to state launching super highway projects. But Nigerians are hungry. What use are highways when the people are struggling to survive? Are the roads meant for the living or for the dead?”
His remarks reflect growing discontent with what some view as the government’s focus on optics rather than addressing urgent economic hardship and food insecurity.
Governor Fintiri Has Cemented PDP’s Control in Adamawa — Bassi
The lawmaker also heaped praise on Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, whom he credited with strengthening the PDP’s grip on power in Adamawa State. He said Fintiri's governance record has made it virtually impossible for other parties to gain a foothold in the state.
“Governor Fintiri has firmly planted the PDP in the hearts of the people. There is no room in Adamawa for political double-dealers those who are APC by day and PDP by night,” Bassi declared.
“In this state, the PDP is not just a party; it’s a movement. There’s no political breathing space for any other party.”
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