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PDP Begins Hunt For 2027 Flagbearer As Zoning Debate Heats Up

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#NigeriaDecides: FCT PDP Chairman Dies In Accident

The political landscape within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is rapidly shifting as the race for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket intensifies following the departure of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

With Atiku officially resigning from the PDP earlier this month, citing deviations from the party’s founding principles, fresh contenders have begun to surface — most notably Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.

According to party insiders, the July 24 National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting will be pivotal, with issues of zoning and the national convention slated to dominate discussions.

READ ALSO: Backlash Trails Atiku’s Third Exit From PDP

Sources reveal that the PDP is weighing whether to throw open its 2027 presidential ticket or zone it to a specific region, with strong voices advocating for a southern candidate.

Chief Bode George, former Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, confirmed that efforts are underway to ensure the presidential ticket shifts to the South.

“There are respectable, responsible people with good character, tested and proven,” he said. “But it is too early to start throwing names up.”

However, not all party leaders agree. A credible NEC source who spoke anonymously stated, “Zoning is not in the PDP constitution. Opening the ticket will give room for more credible and competent aspirants.”

In contrast, the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, believes zoning to the South is essential to restore equity.

“Limiting the PDP ticket to the same names Atiku, Tinubu, or Obi is a disservice to Nigerians,” he said. Osadolor also hinted that former President Goodluck Jonathan is still being watched closely as a potential aspirant.

Meanwhile, youth groups have begun grassroots mobilization in support of Governor Bala Mohammed.

The Bala Mohammed Vanguard, led by Dass Local Government Chairman Mohammed Jibo, has openly declared support for his presidential ambition, citing his performance as FCT Minister and Bauchi Governor.

“Governor Bala Mohammed will aspire for the Presidency. He has unmatched achievements and is capable of rescuing Nigeria from its current economic and security challenges,” said the group’s Director of Media, Mudaddasir Musa.

Internal party voices have welcomed Atiku’s exit as a turning point. “Atiku’s ambition consistently caused friction within the PDP. Now the field is clearer for other aspirants like Makinde and Bala Mohammed to step forward,” a source said

Atiku, who was PDP’s presidential candidate in 2019 and 2023, recently teamed up with other political heavyweights such as Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir El-Rufai under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), positioning it as a unified opposition platform against the ruling APC.

Former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola were named interim Chairman and Secretary respectively.

While some party leaders remain cautious about naming preferred candidates too early, others believe the PDP is undergoing a necessary evolution.

Former PDP National Vice Chairman (South West), Eddy Olafeso, dismissed concerns about the party’s future post-Atiku, likening the current shake-up to historical adversity. “The party will emerge stronger,” he stated.

As preparations for the 101st NEC meeting ramp up, expectations are high that a decision will be made regarding the August convention and zoning strategy.

Reacting to PDP’s developments, All Progressives Congress (APC) Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the chances of any PDP candidate defeating President Bola Tinubu.

“Makinde and Bala Mohammed are regional players. None of them has the national clout to challenge our candidate. Defeat awaits them all,” he asserted.

Despite the external skepticism, PDP members remain optimistic.

“The PDP is still Nigeria’s most popular party,” said former National Secretary Ibrahim Tsauri. “Whoever emerges as our candidate will be carried by the strength of the party.”

 

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“PDP Can’t Unseat Tinubu with Wike in Charge” — Ulasi Blows Hot, Threatens Exit

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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dan Ulasi, has warned that the party stands little chance of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections if Nyesom Wike continues to play a leading role while allegedly supporting the ruling government.

Ulasi, who spoke during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, expressed deep concern over what he described as a “contradictory situation” within the PDP, stressing that such internal inconsistencies could weaken the party’s credibility and chances at the polls.

ALSO READ: ‘I Didn’t Mean It Literally’ — Nyesom Wike Clears Air as Atiku Abubakar Fires Back

“I don’t see my party as presently constituted challenging Tinubu with Wike as national leader,” Ulasi said, warning that he may be forced to leave the party if the issue is not addressed.

The PDP stalwart argued that Wike cannot effectively serve as a leader in the opposition while maintaining close ties with President Tinubu, describing the situation as “unconstructive” for a party seeking to reclaim power at the national level.

He further questioned what role Wike would play if another candidate emerges as the PDP’s presidential flag-bearer ahead of the 2027 election, asking whether the former Rivers State governor would actively participate in party rallies or align with the ruling party’s activities.

Ulasi warned that the party’s next meeting could be his last if its leadership fails to provide satisfactory explanations, insisting that he cannot continue to be part of a process riddled with contradictions.

In a related development, Ulasi revealed that Peter Obi had visited him several times this year, including a recent meeting following an appearance in Enugu.

He spoke positively about Obi’s vision for Nigeria, noting that the former presidential candidate offers a sense of hope for the country’s future, although he stopped short of declaring any political alignment.

Reflecting on his longstanding ties to the PDP, Ulasi recalled his role during the party’s formation alongside late former Vice-President Alex Ekueme and other founding members.

Despite his deep connection to the party, he maintained that he would rather step aside than remain in a system he considers inconsistent.

He added that if he eventually exits the PDP, he has no plans to join another political party, stating that he would instead operate as a private consultant.

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Drama in Ogun APC as Gbenga Daniel Claims He Was Barred From Meeting

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There was tension within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday after former Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, alleged that he was barred from attending a stakeholders’ meeting of the party held in Ijebu Ode.

The meeting, which took place at Adeola Odutola Hall, was reportedly convened to bring together key party stakeholders, including current and former local government chairmen, councillors, and serving as well as former lawmakers from both state and national levels.

However, the senator, in a viral video circulating online, claimed he was denied entry into the venue despite being part of the expected attendees.

ALSO READ: “APC Failure in Disguise?” — Dickson Tears Into ADC Coalition

Speaking from his branded campaign bus parked at the venue, Daniel expressed disappointment over the situation, saying he and his team were stopped from accessing the meeting.

He further questioned the legitimacy of any resolutions reached at the gathering, suggesting that the outcome of the meeting should not be considered valid.

As of press time, the Ogun State APC leadership had yet to issue an official response to the allegation.

 

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Who Leads ADC? Supreme Court to Hear Mark’s Appeal in Heated Party Rift

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The lingering leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set for a crucial legal test as the Supreme Court of Nigeria prepares to hear an appeal filed by former Senate President, David Mark.

Mark is challenging a legal action brought by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala, over the control and leadership structure of the ADC.

The case, scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, is expected to determine the direction of the party amid deepening internal divisions.

SEE MORE: 2027: Why ADC, Opposition Leaders Stormed INEC in Abuja

Through his lawyer, Realwan Okpanachi, Mark is seeking an order to stay the execution of a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, pending the final resolution of the matter.

He also urged the apex court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from making any alterations to the party’s leadership as currently constituted under his faction.

In addition, Mark is asking the court to suspend further proceedings in a related suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.

The dispute dates back to a September 4, 2025 ruling by the Federal High Court following an ex parte application filed by Bala, which has since fueled competing claims to the party’s leadership.

The ADC has, in recent months, been embroiled in a bitter factional crisis, with rival camps asserting legitimacy.

The situation has been worsened by conflicting court orders and administrative uncertainty surrounding who truly leads the party.

Tensions escalated after INEC reportedly removed Mark as the party’s national chairman from its official records, sparking protests by his loyalists.

The demonstration drew prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

In response, the Bala-led faction staged a counter-protest, insisting on recognition by INEC as the legitimate leadership of the party.

As the battle shifts to the Supreme Court, political observers say the outcome could decisively shape the future of the ADC, particularly as political alignments begin to take form ahead of upcoming elections.

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