2027 presidency: We reject zoning, demand open contest — Wudilawa tells PDP

The North-West Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Vanguard, Honourable Aminu Bala Wudilawa, has kicked against the decision of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Committee (NEC) to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South.

Wudilawa, who spoke in Kano, described the decision as “null and void” and a violation of both the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.

He buttressed his position with the provision of Section 84(3) of the Electoral Act, which he asserted explicitly states that no political party can impose additional conditions on aspirants beyond what is provided for in the constitution.

 “Zoning has no legal basis; it is at best a gentleman’s agreement. The constitution guarantees every qualified Nigerian the right to aspire to any office, and PDP cannot take that away,” he stated.

Wudilawa recalled that in 1999, despite zoning arrangements, former President Olusegun Obasanjo faced stiff competition at the PDP primaries from other aspirants. Similarly, in 2003, he was challenged by northern politicians, including the late Alhaji Abubakar Rimi and Barnabas Gemade.

He noted that the PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, recently told the BBC Hausa Service that the NEC resolution would not bar any northerner from contesting the presidency.

The Gbenga Hashim Vanguard chieftain, therefore, called on northerners with ambition to freely join the race, insisting that the PDP must allow for a level-playing field.

“We are calling on all interested Northerners not to be discouraged. The contest should be open, democratic and fair. The PDP belongs to all Nigerians, not a section of the country,” he said.

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