PDP Presidency Goes South in 2027 to Safeguard Party Unity, Says Bauchi Gov

Governor, Bala Mohammed

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has openly expressed his support for the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South. He described the move as timely, strategic, and necessary to restore balance, rebuild trust, and strengthen unity within the party ahead of the next general elections.

The zoning resolution was formally adopted on Monday, August 25, during a meeting of the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) held in Abuja. The gathering was significant not only for the zoning outcome but also for confirming Ambassador Iliya Damagum as the substantive national chairman of the party, bringing an end to months of uncertainty about leadership.

Speaking in an interview with AIT on Tuesday, Governor Mohammed explained that he fully endorsed the NEC’s decision. He revealed that he was personally involved in the series of consultations, negotiations, and deliberations that produced the outcome, stressing that the agreement was collectively reached by stakeholders who wanted to see the party stabilised. He noted that the resolution was not forced on anyone but rather emerged from broad-based discussions that included governors, party elders, and members of the National Working Committee.

“I am satisfied with the resolution because I was part of the consultations, planning and decision-making process. It was a collective agreement to sustain zoning across party offices and to shift the presidential slot to the South. This will promote understanding, discipline and unity within the PDP,” Mohammed said.

According to him, the PDP’s commitment to zoning is a sign of discipline and internal fairness that will help the party reposition itself as a credible alternative for Nigerians dissatisfied with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He argued that zoning has always been part of the PDP’s identity since 1999, and keeping faith with it demonstrates that the party respects its own constitution and traditions.

Zoning has always been a delicate but important principle in Nigerian politics. It is a system by which political offices are rotated among different regions of the country to ensure inclusivity and fairness. Within the PDP, zoning has historically served to reduce tensions, prevent regional domination, and give all parts of the country a sense of belonging. Analysts recall that the absence of a clear zoning agreement in the build-up to the 2023 elections created internal rifts in the PDP. Many southern members felt excluded when the presidential ticket went to the North, leading to protests, defections, and the rise of the G5 governors who openly opposed the party’s candidate. The resulting divisions weakened the PDP’s performance at the polls and contributed to its inability to unseat the APC.

By zoning the 2027 ticket to the South, the PDP leadership appears determined to learn from past mistakes, rebuild trust among southern stakeholders, and present a united front in the next election cycle. For many members, it is not just about political calculation but about restoring credibility to the party’s promise of fairness.

Governor Mohammed also used the opportunity to call for a shift in how politics is practiced in Nigeria. He urged Nigerians to see politics as a tool for service and nation-building rather than a platform for selfish ambition. “Politics should not be driven by selfish interest. It is about sacrifice, respect, and working within the party framework for national progress. Ultimately, power belongs to God,” he said.

He emphasised that leaders must be willing to make sacrifices for the collective good, adding that no party can grow if members place their personal ambitions above the stability of the organisation. According to him, discipline and loyalty to party decisions are not signs of weakness but rather foundations for political maturity.

Mohammed reassured Nigerians that PDP governors, the National Working Committee (NWC), and the Board of Trustees (BoT) remain united in their determination to strengthen the party. He pledged that all organs of the party will work together to provide a fair and transparent platform for members to pursue their political aspirations. “As governors, NWC and BoT members, we are committed to making the PDP the people’s party again. We will provide the platform for every member to pursue their aspirations within an atmosphere of fairness,” he said.

He added that the party is working to rebuild its structures across all states, reconnect with the grassroots, and re-establish itself as the leading voice of the opposition in Nigeria. According to him, PDP governors remain the backbone of the party, and their collaboration with the NWC will determine how effectively the party can challenge the APC in 2027.

The zoning decision has already triggered discussions among political analysts about who might emerge as the PDP’s standard-bearer in 2027. Potential aspirants from the South—including serving governors, former ministers, and influential party figures—are expected to show interest. While no official declarations have been made, the anticipation is already shaping political discourse within the party. Observers argue that the PDP’s decision could also influence other parties. If the APC fails to balance its ticket in a way that resonates with Nigerians, the PDP could capitalise on regional sentiments to win back support, especially in states where it previously held sway.

For many Nigerians, the PDP still carries the memory of its 16 years in power between 1999 and 2015. The party presided over several democratic transitions and introduced policies that shaped the country’s political and economic trajectory. However, since losing power to the APC, it has struggled with leadership tussles, defections, and a perceived loss of direction. Governor Mohammed acknowledged these challenges but insisted that the PDP has the capacity to reinvent itself. He said the party is committed to offering Nigerians an alternative vision of governance, one that addresses insecurity, economic hardship, and social disunity. “Democracy thrives when people have choices. The PDP must be that choice again for Nigerians who are yearning for relief. We cannot afford to disappoint the people,” he stated.

Mohammed concluded by appealing to all members of the PDP to support the NEC’s decision and resist attempts to sow division. He warned that only discipline, loyalty, and unity can guarantee the party’s success in 2027. “The task ahead is not easy. But if we remain disciplined, respect our zoning formula, and stay united, Nigerians will once again trust us with leadership,” he said.