2027: Jonathan’s name unsettles ADC, APC as PDP set to unveil zoning formula

Ahead 2027 permutations, the mention of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s name has stirred significant unrest within both the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) prepares to announce its new zoning formula.

The ADC and APC are keenly observing the PDP’s moves, aware that Jonathan’s potential involvement could shift alliances and reshape electoral strategies in the approaching elections.

Subject to unforeseen circumstances, the timetable and schedule of activities delineated by the PDP indicate that the zoning committee, led by Senator Duoye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, is scheduled to convene this week in Abuja for this purpose.

According to the Nigerian Tribune, the document—endorsed by Honourable Umar M. Bature, the National Organising Secretary of the party—indicates that the planned activities will extend from August 24 to December 2025.

The principles of zoning, as articulated in Section 7(2)(c) of the party’s constitution, assert: “In pursuit of the principles of equity, justice, and fairness, the party shall adhere to the policy of rotation and zoning of party and public elective offices.”

Copies of the proposed programme have been disseminated to key stakeholders within the PDP, outlining activities leading up to the national convention scheduled for November 15 to 16 in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

The principal events are set to commence on August 24, featuring separate meetings of the National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Caucus of the PDP.

Specifically, the NWC will deliberate on items for the agenda of the 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting planned for August 25. The agenda will concentrate on reviewing and adopting the resolution presented by the zoning committee led by Senator Diri.

Additional significant activities highlighted in the documents include the conduct of party primaries for candidate selection and congresses at the ward, local, state, and zonal levels to establish executives, which will be overseen by the state and national executive committees of the PDP.

Sources informed the Nigerian Tribune that members of the zoning committee are scheduled to meet on Thursday, August 14, in Abuja to propose a zoning formula for ratification and adoption by the NEC.

The unveiling of the zoning formula is occurring amid increasing speculation regarding a potential candidacy by former President Goodluck Jonathan, as well as the anticipated bids from Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.

He said: “We are preparing well. We are working hard to salvage the country from dire straits by articulating the challenges facing the country and ensuring that we proffer solutions to them. We are determined and our underdog status will enable us enough time to think about these things and we will be able to partnership with the Nigerian people better than we have done in the past.

“Our party is rooted in history so we know where and when to go at any point in time. We are very well committed.”

On the issue of whether PDP presidential candidate should come from the North or South, Olafeso said: “If the presidency comes from the South, definitely the national chairman will not come from the South.”

On if acting national chairman, Umar Ilya Damagum, should seek to become a substantive chairman, he declared: “He has the right to contest. But the world can decide. The PDP is the people’s party and not a one-man party.”