By Shalom Ikuvbogie
PDP Elders Back Southern Presidency, Reject Party Defectors
ABUJA – Founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have thrown their weight behind a southern presidential candidate for 2027, saying it is time to return to the party’s original values of fairness, justice, and national unity.
At a meeting held in Abuja, respected party figures including Prof. Jerry Gana, Bukola Saraki, Governor Bala Mohammed, and Dr. Babangida Aliyu stressed that zoning the presidential ticket to the South would help rebuild trust within the PDP and across the country.
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Prof. Gana, a former Minister of Information, called on the party’s leadership to support the move, describing it as a necessary step for national healing and party revival. “The South deserves a fair chance. Let’s restore justice and unity to the PDP and to Nigeria,” he said.
The party elders also criticised politicians who frequently switch parties for personal gain. They described such political behavior as harmful and called for discipline, loyalty, and internal reforms. Dr. Aliyu was blunt: “Enough of nomadic politicians. It’s time we reward loyalty and punish betrayal.”
Founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Governor Bala Mohammed echoed similar concerns and warned against alliances that dilute party identity. “PDP members should not be involved in coalitions that compromise our principles. That’s not who we are,” he said.
Mohammed also revealed that the current National Working Committee (NWC) has offered to step aside in the interest of unity and reconciliation. “It’s a selfless move. They’re willing to go if it brings peace,” he said.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki urged party faithful not to abandon the PDP due to frustrations. “Quitting isn’t the solution. We need to fix the party from within. We can’t let it fall apart on our watch,” he said.
Also speaking, former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim declared the PDP ready to bounce back. He maintained that despite internal troubles and defections, the party’s nationwide structure remains solid.
“The PDP is still the only truly national party. Our strength is in the people, and the people are still with us,” he said.
He also commended Ambassador Umaru Damagun, the acting PDP Chairman, for holding the party together through turbulent times, and urged the PDP to present a credible and visionary candidate in 2027.
With sights set on the next election, party leaders agreed on key focus areas: rebuilding national security, reviving the economy, reforming governance, and investing in people.
In the words of Olawepo-Hashim, “The PDP will rise again, not just to contest, but to rebuild Nigeria.”
