With just under two years to the 2027 general elections, the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) appears to be repositioning itself in anticipation of the polls. Recent developments suggest that the party has decided to zone its presidential ticket to the South—a move seemingly influenced by stakeholder consultations and ongoing party dynamics.

This week, the PDP is holding crucial meetings, including caucus, Board of Trustees (BoT), and National Executive Committee (NEC) sessions, scheduled for today and tomorrow. These gatherings aim to address internal issues and ratify the outcomes of previous congresses, setting the stage for the party’s future direction.

In an interview, Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor revealed that the PDP has opened its presidential race to all eligible candidates from the South, emphasising that the party is “zoning to the South.” He clarified, “This is not a contentious NEC; we are preparing for our national convention. Many states are yet to hold congresses, and the NEC will ratify those that have been completed. The focus now is on zoning and party rebuilding.”

When asked about the specific zone targeted, he reaffirmed, “The PDP has opened the presidential ticket to all eligible southerners, and zoning to the South is our current stance.” This announcement aligns with the sentiments of the party’s founding members, who are convening to reaffirm their commitment to the party’s legacy and collective vision.

Meanwhile, the South-East chapter of the PDP has publicly disowned Chief Ali Odefa, asserting that he has no legal standing to represent the party as the National Vice Chairman. This stance follows a series of court rulings that affirmed the position of Egwu Chidiebere Goodluck as the legitimate South-East Vice Chairman of the PDP. The South-East PDP underlined that Odefa is not a member or officer of the party and warned the public and relevant authorities to recognise only the judicially recognised leader.

In a statement backed by multiple court judgments, the South-East PDP emphasised that Odefa’s claims are invalid, citing a February 2025 Federal High Court ruling which upheld Goodluck’s appointment and expelled Odefa from the party. The group also warned that any attempt by Odefa to participate in party activities would be considered contempt and challenged legally.

The group, including prominent leaders like Hon. Chidiebere Egwu and others, asserted their commitment to operating within the bounds of the law and maintaining party discipline. They called on INEC, security agencies, and the media to recognise only the legally recognised party officer and warned against undermining court rulings.

A Show of Support: Osun PDP Endorses Tinubu for 2027 Re-election

In a separate development, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, alongside the state PDP leadership, officially endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in the 2027 presidential election—an endorsement that signals a strategic alignment amid internal political currents.

The endorsement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Osogbo, attended by key party figures, including the Deputy Governor, Speaker of the Assembly, former governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and other leaders. The resolution was further reinforced by a communiqué emphasising loyalty to the ruling party and its national leader.

Interestingly, the endorsement comes against the backdrop of rumors claiming Adeleke was contemplating a switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, party leaders clarified that these rumours were unfounded, citing strong resistance from APC members in Osun. They reiterated their unwavering support for Adeleke and the PDP, emphasising the party’s dominance in the state.

The communiqué also acknowledged Osun State’s significance as President Tinubu’s ancestral home, thereby reaffirming the PDP’s support for his re-election. Moreover, the party endorsed Adeleke’s continued leadership for the 2026 governorship race, urging all members to remain united and loyal.