A group of prominent founding fathers and elder statesmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are intensifying calls for the party to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the Southern part of Nigeria and ensure a thoroughly transparent and credible national convention. These demands come on the heels of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent resignation from the party, which has created a significant void and prompted an urgent re-evaluation of the party’s future.

The elder statesmen, who have been instrumental in the party’s formation and ideological grounding, are reportedly advocating for a strict adherence to the PDP’s informal, but deeply rooted, zoning principle. This principle, historically designed to ensure equitable power rotation between Nigeria’s North and South, was controversially jettisoned during the 2022 presidential primaries, leading to a Northern flagbearer (Atiku Abubakar) and sparking widespread internal dissent that many believe contributed to the party’s defeat in the 2023 general elections.

Sources close to these influential figures indicate that the renewed push for a Southern presidency is an attempt to heal old wounds, restore internal party democracy, and present a united front ahead of the 2027 polls. “The soul of the PDP lies in its commitment to equity and fairness, which the zoning principle embodies,” one founding member, who pleaded anonymity, stated. “Our party suffered immensely when this principle was abandoned. It is time to return to our core values.”

The call for a “transparent convention” further highlights concerns over past electoral processes within the party. The founding fathers are reportedly demanding a level playing field for all aspirants, ensuring that the primaries are free from any form of manipulation or imposition. This emphasis on internal democracy is crucial to regain the trust of party members and the Nigerian electorate, especially after years of internal wrangling and high-profile defections.

The vacuum created by Atiku Abubakar’s departure from the PDP on July 14, 2025, after thrice serving as its presidential candidate, has left the party searching for a new direction and a formidable leader. His exit, attributed to “irreconcilable differences” and a perceived deviation from the party’s founding ideals, now leaves the 2027 presidential ticket wide open.

Analysts suggest that heeding the demands of these elder statesmen could be vital for the PDP’s resurgence. By adhering to the zoning principle, the party might be able to woo back disillusioned members and foster greater unity among its various factions, positioning itself as a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

As the race for 2027 slowly begins to unfold, the PDP faces a critical juncture, with its founding ideals and internal cohesion now firmly at the forefront of its survival and future prospects.