Founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have publicly endorsed the idea of zoning the party’s 2027 presidential ticket to the South, describing it as a necessary step toward restoring the core principles of justice, equity, and national cohesion upon which the party was built.
This resolution emerged during the PDP Founding Fathers’ National Restoration Conference, held in Abuja on Tuesday. The conference brought together several influential figures within the party, including Professor Jerry Gana, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Governor Bala Mohammed, and Dr. Babangida Aliyu, who all emphasized the need for a comprehensive political reset ahead of the next general elections.
Jerry Gana: Time to Uphold Justice Through Zoning
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Jerry Gana, a former Minister of Information and one of PDP’s founding visionaries, urged the party leadership to uphold zoning by allocating the 2027 presidential ticket to the Southern region.
“In line with the noble values of our founding fathers, we call on the leadership of our great party to adopt zoning as a strategic and moral imperative. A Southern presidential candidate in 2027 will not only bolster our chances of winning but will also reinforce the principles of fairness and inclusion,” Gana stated.
He lamented the current state of the nation under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing growing insecurity, economic instability, and weakening national unity. Gana asserted that the PDP was still “alive, vibrant, and actively mobilizing” to rescue Nigeria from its worsening condition.
“We established enduring institutions like the EFCC, ICPC, UBEC, and TETFund. We laid the foundation for economic growth and democratic stability. Now, we must present a pragmatic, solution-oriented manifesto to lead Nigeria into a better future,” he added.
Call for Internal Reforms and Inclusive Leadership
Gana didn’t mince words about the need for internal reforms within the PDP. He called on the National Executive Committee (NEC) to ensure that the next National Convention is transparent and democratic, free from political manipulation.
“There should be no more backdoor arrangements or imposed leadership. Delegates must be allowed to freely and fairly elect members of the National Working Committee (NWC) who will steer our party toward genuine revival,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of youth and women’s participation in leadership, emphasizing that young Nigerians possess the digital innovation, energy, and creativity needed to transform the country.
Aliyu: End to Political Nomadism and Reward for Loyalty
Speaking in support, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, former Governor of Niger State, criticized the growing trend of "political nomadism" — the practice of politicians switching allegiances and parties without ideology or discipline.
“We must put a stop to recycling disloyal politicians who jump from one party to another. They have done significant harm to our credibility and structures. The PDP must begin to reward loyalty and punish acts of betrayal if we truly want to reclaim our integrity,” Aliyu declared.
Bala Mohammed: PDP Governors Committed to Reforms
Senator Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, applauded the dedication of PDP governors in delivering inclusive and progressive governance. He reiterated the forum’s commitment to upholding party discipline and democratic values.
“PDP governors are performing exceptionally across the states. We govern with humility, vision, and respect for the people. We will continue to uphold democratic principles and avoid shortcuts,” he said.
Mohammed cautioned against forming opportunistic alliances with rival parties, describing such partnerships as “aberrations” inconsistent with the PDP’s identity.
In a significant revelation, he disclosed that the current National Working Committee (NWC) members had expressed readiness to step down if their continued stay would jeopardize party unity and reconciliation.
Saraki: Unity Above All
Former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki urged members to remain steadfast and not abandon the party due to its present challenges.
“We are not without difficulties. I once left the PDP out of frustration, but in hindsight, anger doesn't fix structural problems. We must not allow our house to collapse while we watch. If PDP fails under our stewardship, history will not be kind to us,” Saraki warned.
He called for renewed commitment and internal reconciliation, noting that preserving unity was more critical than ever as the party prepares for 2027.
The PDP Restoration Conference marks a pivotal moment for the opposition party as it reflects on its origins and charts a future course. The consensus among founding members is clear: to return to the party’s foundational values, zone the presidency to the South in 2027, and embark on internal reforms that prioritize youth inclusion, transparency, and unity.
With calls for bold leadership, loyalty, and integrity ringing louder than ever, the coming months will test the PDP’s ability to transform rhetoric into action—and reclaim its place at the center of Nigeria’s political future.
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