Elder statesman and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Olabode George, has confirmed that the PDP will field a presidential candidate from the southern region in the 2027 general elections.
Chief George, a PDP Board of Trustees member and former military governor of Ondo State, made this known during a recent interview. He said the party has now resolved to rotate the presidency to the South in 2027, following the internal crisis over zoning that affected its performance in the 2023 elections.
“The communique after our post-election review meeting was written by Prof Jerry Gana. It was agreed and signed that though mistakes were made in 2023, we will not repeat them. The presidency will return to the South in 2027,” George stated.
He also reminded party members of the PDP’s constitution, particularly Section 7(3), which supports the zoning and rotation of party offices and elective positions.
George Rejects One-Party System, Calls APC’s Governance a Failure
George rejected the idea of Nigeria becoming a one-party state. He said such a system was impossible in a democracy, calling it a “huge joke.”
“One-party state is a huge joke. It can never happen. What is democracy if not the management of national resources for the people’s benefit? Has APC delivered succour to the people?” he asked.
He described Nigeria’s electoral process as broken. According to him, elections no longer reflect the will of the people because manipulation has taken over.
On why some PDP politicians are moving to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), George blamed their inexperience.
“Most of them are new in politics. Let them learn. But when the people decide to revolt against injustice, no one should stand in their way,” he warned.
Wike Accused of Exploiting PDP Crisis
George also spoke about the influence of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in PDP affairs. He accused Wike of taking advantage of disunity within the party.
“He found himself in an opportunistic environment. But there is a higher being watching. The constitution of our party was ignored, especially regarding zoning elective offices,” George said.
Wike, a former Rivers State governor, supported the opposition in the 2023 elections, despite being a PDP member. His actions deepened the party’s internal divisions, especially among members from the South.
Amaechi Seen as Possible Consensus Candidate
Meanwhile, talks are ongoing among opposition parties to form a new coalition ahead of the 2027 elections. Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has emerged as a possible consensus candidate.
Although former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi were originally central to the alliance, both men have reportedly refused to back down on their individual ambitions. Obi is said to insist on contesting again with his 2023 running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed.
A member of the steering committee for the alliance said they are now considering Amaechi as a backup option.
“With the way the coalition is going, some of us have noticed the unyielding positions of Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Mr Peter Obi,” the source said. “We’ve resolved to put Amaechi on the ready. After all, he came second in the APC presidential primary.”
Amaechi Distances Himself from Tinubu, Signals 2027 Interest
Amaechi recently turned 60 and held a birthday lecture titled “Weaponising Hunger.” Observers say the event allowed him to test the political waters.
During the event, Amaechi revealed that he had refused to support President Bola Tinubu during the APC primaries and after.
“I informed him directly that I wouldn’t be part of his electioneering. Two years later, I feel vindicated,” Amaechi said.
He is believed to have maintained a quiet but consistent opposition to the current administration, especially on economic issues such as inflation and rising hunger.
New Political Party May Be Formed
Dr Umar Ardo, a leader of the League of Northern Democrats, confirmed that talks are underway to form a new party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), instead of merging with existing ones like the SDP or ADC.
Ardo warned that merging with older parties could weaken the new coalition.
“There are existing structures there. If the incumbent is serious, they’ll exploit those loopholes… If we collapse into them, we lose momentum,” he said.
He dismissed claims that ADA was being created to benefit Atiku Abubakar.
“Atiku is among those pushing for a merger into an existing party. I am opposing that. Does that mean I’m supporting him? That doesn’t make sense,” Ardo said.
Obi’s Camp Stands Firm on 2027 Bid
Peter Obi’s ally, Katch Ononuju, said Obi’s candidacy for 2027 is non-negotiable. He confirmed that Obi wants to contest again with Datti Baba-Ahmed.
Political watchers believe that if the ADA is registered, Amaechi could lead the new party. Meanwhile, Atiku may seek the ticket of the SDP, and Obi could contest under the ADC.
Dickson Warns Against Repeat of 2015 Mistakes
Former Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, warned the new coalition not to repeat the political mistakes of 2015.
“There are a number of you here who are expert conspirators, who know how to assemble coalitions and then take out governments, as you did to my party in 2015,” Dickson said.
“Now 11 years down the line, poverty has been weaponised, and the challenges remain. My advice? Shine your eyes.”
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