Key Points
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PDP micro-zoning intensifies tensions as 2027 elections draw near.
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Factions clash bitterly while the zoning formula stays unresolved.
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Party unity threatened badly if deep divisions continue to persist.
Internal divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are being exacerbated by uncertainty surrounding its micro-zoning formula for the 2027 elections. Although the party’s political balance has long been shaped by the zoning principle, its ambiguous implementation prior to the election has left candidates and factions vying for influence.
The main point of contention is whether the party will open the race or micro-zone its presidential ticket to particular geopolitical regions in the South. With former Governor Nyesom Wike and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar closely monitoring the situation, party insiders claim that the ambiguity is increasing mistrust between rival blocs.
Factional rivalries are fueled by the microzoning controversy
Chief Raymond Ogbe, a South-South chieftain, contended that if the zoning formula is left vague, it could drive away devoted supporters. Clarity is what our people desire. “The party must specify where the ticket goes if micro-zoning is real,” he told reporters in Abuja.
However, some maintain that regardless of sub-regional balancing, opening the race could allow the strongest candidate to win. “PDP cannot afford to tie itself down with endless zoning debates while APC is already consolidating its front-runners,” said Alhaji Suleiman Idris, an associate of former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
According to a report by Vanguard news, Umar Damagum, the acting chairman of the National Working Committee, has not yet issued a clear directive. To prevent post-primary disputes, a number of governors, including Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, and Seyi Makinde of Oyo, are reportedly pushing for early clarity.
PDP microzoning causes division concerns
Political analysts caution that if the controversy continues, the PDP could make the same mistakes it has in the past. Zoning conflicts in 2015 led to defections that ultimately made the party weaker. The lack of agreement, according to analysts like Dr. Florence Egbule of the University of Lagos, may force aspirational members like Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi to look into other avenues.
The stakes are high, according to PDP insiders, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) is already preparing for 2027. According to a senior strategist who wished to remain anonymous and was loyal to former Senate President David Mark, “a divided PDP only strengthens our opponents.”
There are increasing calls for decisive zoning leadership
Party groups at the grassroots level, especially in the South-East, have started publicly advocating for inclusion in the zoning plan. Local leaders contend that their base, which already feels marginalized in national politics, could become discouraged if the ticket is not micro-zoned.
Damagum, Atiku supporters, and the PDP governors’ forum are under increasing pressure to resolve the issue before the primary calendar is revealed as the debate heats up. The outcome of the micro-zoning dispute could determine whether the party can mount a significant challenge in 2027, whether through agreement or disagreement.
