Wike, PDP Stakeholders Demand Southern Presidential Candidate for 2027

In a renewed push for equity and regional balance, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the southern region of Nigeria.

Wike made this call on Monday evening while reading a communiqué issued at the end of a strategic meeting of key party figures held under the banner of the Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP.

According to the communiqué, the group stressed the need for fairness, inclusion, and adherence to the federal character principle in the party’s decision-making.

“In the spirit of fairness, inclusion, federal character principles, and respect for our party constitution, the party must make an unequivocal pronouncement zoning its presidential candidate to the South in the 2027 elections, after the unbroken years of Northern presidency under President Muhammadu Buhari,” the communiqué stated.

Prominent PDP chieftains in attendance included former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia). Also present were PDP National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, former Senate Minority Leader Philip Aduda, serving and former federal and state lawmakers, as well as some zonal and state party executives.

The demand comes as internal party debates intensify over the direction of PDP’s strategy for the 2027 general elections, especially in light of recent opposition coalition talks.