Dele Momodu Labels Presidential Zoning a Blackmail Strategy Against Opposition

Former presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dele Momodu, has strongly criticized the principle of zoning ahead of the 2027 general election, describing it as a tool of blackmail designed to weaken opposition parties. In a recent interview, Momodu argued that the practice is unconstitutional and is being deliberately manipulated to reduce competition against President Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Case Against Zoning and PDP’s State

Momodu insisted that nothing in the Nigerian constitution prohibits any citizen, regardless of their geopolitical zone, from contesting for the presidency. He claimed that the sentiment around zoning is a strategy by some political actors to keep other parties at a disadvantage, knowing that if the opposition is forced to field a southern candidate, they will struggle to defeat President Tinubu. He urged any “right-thinking political party” to open its doors to all aspirants, regardless of their region.

Speaking on the state of his former party, Momodu stated that the PDP had been “hijacked” by agents of the ruling party. He described the PDP as being “at a dead end,” resembling a “cadaver room” where it is being kept alive by people who have no real commitment to its success. Having now left the party, Momodu is a chieftain of the opposition coalition African Democratic Congress (ADC), and he clarified that the ADC has not promised an automatic ticket to any candidate, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Context: PDP’s 2027 Decision

The debate over zoning gained renewed traction after the PDP’s National Executive Council (NEC) met on August 25. The party resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South while retaining the national chairmanship in the North. This decision was explained by party leaders as a move to stabilize the PDP ahead of the next election cycle. However, critics, including Momodu, argue that this decision could undermine the party’s chances against the APC, which has already adopted President Tinubu as its flagbearer for 2027. The NEC meeting also confirmed Umar Damagum as the party’s national chairman, following the suspension of Senator Iyorchia Ayu in March 2023.