The decision by the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria has pitted various northern groups in different camps, with many describing the development as undemocratic and contrary to the spirit of fair competition.
The National Executive Committee of the party, at its 102nd meeting on Monday, zoned the presidential ticket to the South, while retaining the current National Working Committee headed by Ambassador Umar Damagum.
The National President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Yerima Shettima, said that by zoning the presidential ticket to the South, the PDP appears to be constraining the fundamental rights, and sidelining potential candidates from the North who may possess the requisite qualifications and vision to lead the country.
He says that this decision not only diminishes the political strength of Northern voters but also risks alienating a portion of the electorate,saying that it may give President Tinubu an easy ride against his potential opponents.