Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South is “too late” to change the party’s political fortunes.
Speaking on Channels Television on Wednesday, Olayinka argued that had the PDP listened to Wike and other aggrieved members before the 2023 election, the party would not be facing its current crisis.
“It is too late because we had the chance of doing the right thing three years ago, and we failed to do it,” he said. “For instance, if we had agreed with him (Wike), probably the party wouldn’t be where it is today. The head is already off, and now we are crying. What should have been done three years ago was ignored.”
Olayinka recalled that in 2022, Wike and his G-5 allies had pushed for the presidential ticket to be zoned to the South, insisting it was the fair choice after then-President Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner, was completing his tenure.
He noted that the PDP now faces an uphill task in 2027, as the ruling party already has a southern candidate in President Bola Tinubu, who will be seeking a second term after completing four years in office.
“The problem now is this: you’re saying your presidential candidate should come from the South, but the party in power also has a southern candidate who will already have four years in office and another four years ahead. If you present your own southern candidate to the North, will they accept someone who will either start afresh and seek re-election in 2031, or one with just four years to spend?” Olayinka questioned.
The PDP recently resolved to zone its 2027 ticket to the South, but critics argue the move may not yield the intended outcome due to past missteps. To address concerns over northern acceptance, the party is reportedly considering figures such as former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Jonathan, under the Constitution, can serve one more term of four years, while Obi has publicly promised to run for only a single four-year tenure if given the chance to lead.
PDP senator representing Benue South, Abba Moro, confirmed that discussions have been ongoing with Jonathan and Obi about possibly returning to the party. He noted that if Obi returns, he stands a strong chance of clinching the PDP presidential ticket.
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