Abuja, Nigeria – Former Minister of Information and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Professor Jerry Gana, has issued a stern warning to party leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking during a meeting of PDP elders and stakeholders, Gana stressed that the survival of the opposition party depends on strict adherence to its zoning arrangement.
According to The Sun Nigeria report of August 25, 2025, Gana reminded party leaders of the consequences of ignoring power rotation between the North and South, citing the crises that trailed PDP’s presidential choices in 2015 and 2023.
“If PDP dares to betray zoning again like Jonathan in 2015 and Atiku in 2023, we will bury the party,” Gana declared. “Our founding fathers established zoning for fairness, justice, and unity. Each time we abandon it, the party pays a heavy price. PDP cannot afford to repeat history in 2027.”
A History of Zoning Controversies
The PDP’s zoning principle has been at the center of its biggest political crises. In 2015, then-President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to seek re-election against the expectations of northern stakeholders sparked internal rebellion, paving the way for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to seize power.
Similarly, in 2023, the party’s decision to open its presidential ticket led to the emergence of Atiku Abubakar from the North while the national chairman also hailed from the same region. This imbalance triggered the infamous G5 governors’ revolt, weakening the PDP’s national structure.
2027 and the Battle for Relevance
Party insiders reveal that zoning will be the most decisive issue at the PDP’s upcoming national convention, slated for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. The zoning committee, chaired by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, is expected to submit its recommendations to the National Executive Committee (NEC) this week.
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Many stakeholders, including Jerry Gana and allies of former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, insist that the presidency must return to the South in 2027 if the PDP hopes to rebuild trust and reclaim national dominance.
As the convention draws closer, the zoning debate could determine whether the PDP emerges stronger—or faces another round of internal implosion.