PDP Rules Out Northern Candidate For 2027 Presidential Race

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not field a Northern presidential candidate in the 2027 elections, party elder Bode George has said, warning that any attempt to do so would betray the party’s founding principles and insult its original leaders.

Speaking during a gathering of PDP members in Lagos on Thursday, George made it clear that the party’s presidential ticket would not go to the North. He said doing so would disrespect the zoning arrangement that has long guided the PDP and would dishonour the memory of the party’s founding fathers, many of whom, he noted, upheld fairness and regional balance.

George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, recalled the example of the late Dr. Alex Ekwueme, who contested the party’s presidential ticket in the early days but did not abandon the party after losing. According to him, that spirit of loyalty and discipline should guide current members as the party prepares for 2027.

His remarks come as the PDP continues to face internal challenges, including a wave of defections. Several party members have either joined new political movements or aligned with opposition groups in an attempt to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

George criticised those forming coalitions outside the party, describing them as political wanderers who would eventually return. He likened their actions to abandoning their roots for temporary shelter, insisting they were not offering sustainable alternatives. According to him, leaving a political home due to disagreement or hardship only to wander without structure or direction is bound to fail.

He also accused President Bola Tinubu of trying to weaken the PDP by pressuring governors elected under the party to defect to the APC. George warned that coercing leaders into crossing over does not reflect the will of the people and called on Nigerians to remain alert as the country’s political future unfolds.

“Tinubu does not own Nigeria,” he said, adding that the power to choose leaders lies with the people, not a single individual or group. He urged citizens to see beyond political gamesmanship and focus on policies that can rebuild the nation.

Despite the tension and realignment in Nigeria’s political space, George expressed confidence that those leaving the PDP would eventually find their way back, especially if their new ventures fail to gain traction. He said previous attempts at similar coalitions had collapsed, and this time would be no different.

The Lagos PDP meeting was held to mark what members called the “restoration” of the party. The gathering reflected renewed energy within the state chapter, even as national-level instability continues.

As the race for 2027 slowly begins to take shape, George’s declaration is expected to fuel further debate on zoning and power rotation—issues that have historically played a major role in shaping presidential politics in Nigeria.