The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South is already reshaping political conversations across the country.

While the move has been widely accepted in most northern states, with leaders in Jigawa, Katsina, Gombe, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Kogi throwing their weight behind it, dissenting voices have emerged in Kano and from groups within the North Central.

Broad Support Across the North

In Jigawa, PDP spokesperson Umar Kyari said the party is united behind the decision, describing it as the kind of fairness that can deliver success in 2027.

Katsina PDP spokesman, Alhaji Tijjani Umar Mashasha, called it a “carefully calculated strategy,” adding that with the ruling APC struggling under President Tinubu, Nigerians are yearning for change and the PDP must be ready to deliver.

Similar support came from Gombe, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Kogi, where party officials pledged total loyalty to the decision, describing it as a move rooted in strategy, unity, and lessons from past mistakes.

Dissent in Kano and North-Central

However, Kano PDP members are pushing back. Some argue that the North deserves the ticket, especially after former President Jonathan (South-South) and President Tinubu (South-West).

Comrade Kabiru Sani Mai Kwanuka criticized the party for not consulting widely, while activist Bashir Wahada Ibrahim claimed only a northern presidency can tackle the region’s worsening security challenges.

The North Central Renaissance Movement also rejected the decision, insisting the presidency should have been zoned to their region, which has never produced a president or vice president. Professor K’tso Nghargbu, speaking for the group, said zoning is not just about North and South but also about fairness within zones.

Echoing that stance, a coalition of northern youth groups branded the PDP’s decision as “anti-democratic, unjust, and a betrayal,” warning of political consequences.

Analysts’ Take

Political analyst Dr. Kabiru Said Sufi described the zoning as a direct counter-strategy to President Tinubu, who is expected to seek re-election in 2027. According to him, the PDP aims to challenge Tinubu on home turf by fielding another southern candidate while banking on the perception of poor performance by his administration.

However, analysts also highlight emerging rivalries within the South, as both the South-West and South-South quietly angle for the ticket—setting the stage for a tough primary battle.

For now, the PDP has secured solid northern backing in several key states, but dissent in Kano and agitation from the North-Central could threaten its internal unity.

As 2027 approaches, the question remains: will this zoning strategy give the PDP an edge against the ruling APC, or will internal cracks weaken the opposition before the real battle begins?