The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denied that the decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South was intended to glorify Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, stating that the move was made to build the party and ensure stability.
Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, revealed this during an interview on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Wednesday, when he answered questions on the PDP’s current state, the upcoming national convention, and dissenting views within the party.
Ologunagba emphasised that the PDP was never in a ‘critical care unit’, despite claims made by former Benue State governor Senator Gabriel Suswan.
According to him, the party has simply gone through obstacles identical to those faced by any organisation but has since ‘recalibrated’ to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The party was never in the ICU. Do we have challenges? Yes, we do, just like every human organisation. But what has emerged is the fact that the PDP has the capacity, in challenging periods, to step back, reorganise itself and take charge of its internal affairs,” Ologunagba said.
Speaking on claims that the zoning decision was a vindication of Wike, he maintained that no individual was bigger than the PDP.
“No one individual is vindicated. If anything, it is the party that has been vindicated. After the 2023 elections, we reviewed our processes, identified the gaps, and made the necessary adjustments. That is why Nigerians are now seeing renewed unity and excitement within the PDP,” he said.
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He emphasised that the decision was consistent with the party’s founding principle of rotating presidential candidates between the North and South and that all stakeholders, including the PDP Governors’ Forum, National Executive Committee (NEC), Board of Trustees (BoT), and state chapters, supported the resolution.
“The NEC, after all consultations, decided to maintain stability by keeping positions in the North where they are, retaining positions in the South where they are, and zoning the presidency to the South. This was about fairness and unity, not glorifying an individual,” he added.
The PDP spokesman also addressed dissenting voices within the party, such as the North Central Renaissance Movement, which opposed the zoning arrangement, and Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, who admitted that fielding former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 elections was a mistake.
“The beauty of democracy is that people can disagree, but what matters is the capacity of the party to bring everyone back to the table. Where we were six months ago is not where we are today. We continue to engage, consult and reconcile because we want democracy to succeed,” Ologunagba explained.
Speaking on the issue of discipline for members who worked against the party in 2023, he said the PDP initially prioritised reconciliation but had now reached the stage of enforcing consequences.
“Membership of the PDP is voluntary but comes with obligations under the constitution. We have reached the point where every member must roll up their sleeves and work for the party. Reprimands have been issued, and we expect members to comply. We want to look forward, not backward,” he said.
Ologunagba denied Wike’s accusations that he was not invited to NEC meetings, stating that notices were issued and acknowledged and that extra publications were made in the national daily.
“Every stakeholder was duly informed. Specifically, Wike was invited as an NEC member, and the letter was received and acknowledged in his office. Notices were also published in several newspapers. So, to say he was not invited is simply not true,” he clarified.
Looking ahead to the party’s national convention, which is set for November 15th and 16th, 2025, in Ibadan, Ologunagba stated preparations were underway.
“All arrangements for the convention – venue, logistics, and security – are in place. Every organ of the party is united and ready. Nigerians are excited because they know the PDP has the capacity to deliver, just as it did during its 16 years in power,” he said.
The spokesman declined to comment on conjecture tying former President Goodluck Jonathan, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and former Labour Party contender Peter Obi to the PDP’s 2027 ticket.
“Right now, the focus is on a seamless and credible national convention. But let me emphasise: the PDP is blessed with credible and eminently qualified individuals. Our governors are performing, and Nigerians recognise that the PDP remains the oasis of development in this country,” Ologunagba stated.
