Bode George Says PDP Will Deny Atiku 2027 Presidential Ticket Over Zoning Error

In a bold declaration, former Deputy National Chairman (South-West) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has stated that the party will not repeat its “costly mistake” of giving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar the PDP 2027 presidential ticket.

Speaking during a live appearance on Politics Today, a programme aired by Channels Television on Monday, George expressed deep regret over the party’s decision to field Atiku in the 2023 presidential election. According to him, the move went against the founding principles of the PDP, especially regarding its long-standing zoning arrangement.

“We really messed up,” George admitted, referring to the party’s controversial choice of Atiku, a northerner, to succeed another northerner, Muhammadu Buhari, who had just completed his eight-year tenure.

According to George, the PDP’s foundational doctrine, particularly Section 7 Subsection 3C of the party’s constitution, clearly supports power rotation between the North and South. He argued that after eight years of Buhari, who hails from the North, the PDP should have fielded a Southern candidate in 2023.

“We shot ourselves in the head by deviating from the doctrine established by our founding fathers. It was unfair and politically unwise to give Atiku the presidential ticket after eight years of a northern president,” he said.

The PDP chieftain stressed that such a misstep cost the party dearly and will not be repeated in 2027. He maintained that while Atiku is free to contest under another party, he should not expect to receive the PDP 2027 presidential ticket again.

“If he becomes the PDP candidate again in 2027, that will be the end of this party. We will not accept it,” George stated firmly.

George also lauded the recent resolution by PDP governors rejecting any form of coalition or merger with other political parties ahead of the 2027 general election. The PDP Governors’ Forum, under the leadership of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, met on Monday in Ibadan, Oyo State, and announced that the party would remain independent and not enter any merger arrangements.

Instead, the forum stated that while the PDP will not merge with other political groups, it remains open to welcoming parties or individuals who wish to join its platform in the quest for reclaiming power in 2027.

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Reacting to this, George said the governors’ stance had given party loyalists renewed hope.
“I congratulate our governors. Their decision has brought immense joy to my heart. Many were beginning to think the PDP was dying, but the clarity and confidence displayed by our governors today have revived my belief that this party and this nation can still thrive,” he said.

He added that the PDP, being one of Nigeria’s oldest and most structured political parties, should not be chasing emerging political platforms to present a unified front.

“How can a colossus like the PDP be running after new political groups? Our doors are always open. People can come and join us, but we don’t need to merge with anyone,” he emphasized.

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