The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will zone the 2027 presidential ticket to Nigeria’s Southern region, with the North only returning to contention in 2031, according to Chief Bode George.
Speaking with Sunday Sun, the PDP Board of Trustees member and former military governor of Ondo State said the party remains committed to its founding principle of zoning and rotation to ensure fairness and equity in national leadership.
“The next four years, the presidency will be in the South,” George said. “Until 2031, when it will go back to the North.”
George criticised what he described as growing attempts to push Nigeria towards a one-party system, insisting that such efforts are undemocratic and destined to fail. He warned that democracy thrives on choice and participation, not coercion or dominance.
He also questioned the decamping of some governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a learning curve for inexperienced politicians. He warned that political power belongs to the people and should not be manipulated for personal gain.
Bode George on PDP’s Structure and Southeast Aspirations
George emphasized that the PDP remains the only party that introduced a structured zoning system, dividing top leadership roles across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. According to him, this was a key factor that attracted support in the party’s early years.
Addressing the internal challenges in the PDP, he acknowledged disagreements but maintained that the party’s constitution, particularly Section 7 Sub-section 3, guarantees a return to rotation and zoning of both party and elective offices.
On Southeast aspirations for the 2027 presidency, George said the region must organise internally to build consensus and strategy. He recalled the role of Dr. Alex Ekwueme in the formation of the PDP and urged Southeast leaders to reflect on his unifying legacy.
Reaction to Labour Party and Peter Obi
Asked about Labour Party’s Peter Obi, George described him as a man with good intentions but questioned the structural strength of the party he now leads. He noted Obi’s history with the PDP and stressed the need for a deeper support base in the Southeast if his ambitions are to succeed.
Harsh Verdict on Current Administration
When asked to assess the present government, George didn’t hold back. “There is no government,” he said, citing worsening economic conditions and growing frustration, particularly among educated northern youth.
He argued that while many northern youths embraced education, they are now jobless and disillusioned, prompting unrest and insecurity. George challenged the current administration to take urgent economic action.
Street Youths and Economic Reform
George suggested a special fund supported by Nigeria’s banking elites to tackle youth unemployment, especially in the South. He called for a revival of skills acquisition centres, arguing that not all young people need to attend university to succeed.
2027 and Atiku’s Potential Run
On former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s potential 2027 presidential run, George said the PDP’s constitution will guide that decision. For now, he emphasized the need to respect internal processes, especially zoning rules.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
