The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has jettisoned zoning of the presidential ticket to the South for the 2023 election, thus, throwing open the contest.
The position of the main opposition party, PDP was made known in a communique issued at the end of the party’s 96th NEC meeting held yesterday at its national secretariat in Abuja.
According to the party: “After a very extensive deliberation, NEC aligned with the recommendation of the PDP National Zoning Committee that the presidential election should now be left open. The party should also work towards a consensus candidate where possible.
“NEC noted the recommendation of the Zoning Committee that in the interest of justice and fair play, the Party should take a decision on zoning timeously so as to prevent complications to the process.
“NEC ratified the conduct of the Presidential Primary (Special National Convention) to elect our Party’s Presidential Candidate on Saturday May 28 to Sunday May 29, 2022 in Abuja
“NEC approved the setting up of the National Convention Organizing Committee and approved the appointment of His Excellency, Senator David Mark as Chairman, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as Deputy Chairman and His Excellency Barr. Ibrahim Shema as Secretary.
“NEC assured of free, fair, credible and transparent processes for the emergence of our Party’s Candidates for all elective positions in the 2023 general elections.”
One of the leading presidential aspirants, Atiku Abubakar argued in one of his meetings with PDP stalwarts that the North East has not produced a president since the return to democracy in 1999.
In a similar vein, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki is of the view that the North Central has not had a representative in the highest office of the land in a democratic setting.
With this official declaration by the PDP to jettison zoning, the two presidential aspirants would feel they stand a very good chance.
Other aspirants jostling for the party’s ticket include: Peter Obi, former Anambra governor, Chief Dele Momodu, Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Aminu Tambuwal, governor of Sokoto, Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers State, Ayodele Fayose, former governor of Ekiti State, Anyim Pius Anyim, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Bala Mohammed, Bauchi governor, Emmanuel Udom, Akwa Ibom governor.