Bala Mohammed, Abba Moro, and Samuel Ortom weigh in on party’s 2027 direction as talks with Peter Obi continue.
Abuja, Nigeria – August 29, 2025 – Key leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have publicly endorsed the zoning of the 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria, admitting that the party’s 2023 decision to field former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar was a strategic miscalculation.
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, expressed full satisfaction with the party’s zoning decision, revealing that he personally stepped down his ambitions to support the consensus.
“I’m very satisfied with the resolution. It’s an all-inclusive decision to sustain unity and fairness in our party,” Mohammed said.
PDP Admits Mistake in 2023 Presidential Candidacy
Speaking on the outcome of the 2023 election, Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, described the party’s decision to allow a northern candidate as a critical error that led to defeat at the polls.
“Majority of us agree — fielding a northern candidate in 2023 was a mistake. The backlash was severe,” Moro said in an interview.
He added that the new zoning move is a “strategic correction rooted in fairness, equity, and national unity.”
Moro also acknowledged internal party efforts aimed at healing divisions and restoring public trust in the PDP brand ahead of the 2027 general elections.
PDP Seeks Peter Obi’s Return for 2027 Presidential Race
Moro confirmed that discussions are ongoing to woo former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, back into the party as a possible 2027 presidential candidate.
“Certain individuals are talking to Peter Obi, encouraging him to return. If he becomes our candidate, PDP will make an impact,” he said.
Moro dismissed concerns over former President Goodluck Jonathan’s eligibility, citing judicial precedents, but focused more on consolidating Southern support.
Ortom Supports Zoning But Ties Loyalty to Candidate’s Credibility
Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, welcomed the zoning decision but emphasized that his support in 2027 would depend on the PDP candidate’s integrity.
“If we have a credible candidate, I’ll compare him with President Tinubu and then take a decision,” Ortom told Arise News.
Ortom, a member of the infamous G-5 Governors who backed Tinubu in 2023, faced criticism for leading the zoning committee that paved the way for Atiku’s candidacy while later opposing it.
G-5 Division Deepens as Wike and Makinde Chart Opposite Paths
Despite helping Tinubu win in 2023, only Nyesom Wike secured a federal appointment — as FCT Minister. He has since reaffirmed his loyalty to Tinubu’s 2027 campaign.
Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has distanced himself from the G-5’s earlier stance and is actively working with party loyalists to rebuild the PDP ahead of 2027.
PDP Looks Ahead to 2027 With New Strategy
The decision to zone the presidential ticket to the South is seen by political analysts as a major pivot — one that could reshape the PDP’s fortunes, especially if it fields a popular, credible Southern candidate with national appeal.
With talks underway and strategic realignments forming, the PDP is positioning itself to reclaim relevance and possibly challenge the APC in the next general elections.
