The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the recent decision by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to zone its presidential ticket to the South ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the move as a political strategy aimed at attracting popular figures like Peter Obi, Goodluck Jonathan, and Rotimi Amaechi.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the zoning arrangement was not driven by national interest, but by the PDP’s desire to reposition itself for power.
Abdullahi argued that the PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were more focused on political calculations than solving the real issues affecting millions of Nigerians.
The PDP had recently announced that its presidential ticket for the 2027 election would go to the Southern part of the country. While this decision has received mixed reactions within the party, it has also sparked concerns from opposition parties like the ADC.
Abdullahi noted that although zoning can help maintain balance in Nigeria’s diverse political landscape, the timing of the announcement — with elections still two years away — shows a clear lack of sensitivity.
“Why are we so preoccupied and behaving in such a way that Nigerians begin to look at the political elite across the divides as if we don’t care about them?” he asked.
He said Nigerians are currently facing serious economic and security challenges, and political parties should be working on solutions instead of strategising for elections.
“The ordinary Nigerian is struggling to eat, pay bills, and feel safe. But what are the big parties doing? Planning for 2027,” he added.
Abdullahi also suggested that the PDP’s zoning decision may be a calculated move to attract top political figures who could boost the party’s chances at the polls.
Among the names mentioned were former Vice President and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and former Rivers State Governor and ex-minister Rotimi Amaechi.
“These are names that carry weight across Nigeria, especially in the South. It’s clear the PDP is trying to leave the door open for a powerful southern candidate who may not be in the party now,” he said.
Abdullahi warned that this kind of strategy was more about winning elections than building a united and stable country.
The ADC spokesperson also criticised the APC, saying the ruling party is equally guilty of putting politics above national interest.
He pointed to recent statements by APC governors and party leaders endorsing President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027. They argue that it is the South’s turn to continue in power, based on Nigeria’s informal power rotation between the North and South.
Abdullahi said, “Both APC and PDP are already in election mode while Nigerians are asking for food, jobs, and security.”
He added that focusing on power rotation at this stage is a clear sign that the political elite are disconnected from the needs of ordinary citizens.
Zoning and power rotation have been major issues in Nigerian politics since the return to democracy in 1999. Though not in the constitution, many political parties, including the PDP and APC, have informal arrangements to rotate power between the North and South to ensure national unity and fairness.
In the 2023 election, this principle played a big role. Bola Tinubu, a southerner from Lagos State, won under the APC platform, while Atiku Abubakar from the North ran under the PDP. Peter Obi, a southerner from Anambra State, ran under the Labour Party and gained massive youth support.
Now, with the PDP zoning its ticket to the South, attention is turning to who will emerge as the party’s candidate in 2027.
Abdullahi concluded by urging Nigeria’s main political parties to shift their focus from elections to governance.
“The election is still two years away. Let us fix the economy, make our schools work, secure our communities, and give Nigerians hope. That should be the real agenda, not political chess games,” he said.
The ADC says it will continue to push for reforms and alternative policies that prioritise the needs of Nigerians, not just the ambitions of the political class.
