Concerned about the zoning of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket for the 2027 election to the southern part of Nigeria, the North Central Support Group for Dr. Gbenga Joel Hashim for the 2027 presidential election has kicked against the zoning arrangement, clamouring for a level playing field for all aspirants irrespective of their geopolitical zone.

This comes as the group endorsed Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, for a second term in office, citing the governor’s exceptional record during the last two years.

With placards bearing diverse inscriptions, the group stormed the PDP State Secretariat on Wednesday, demanding that the party’s National Working Committee reverse its zoning decision and allow all interested parties to participate in the presidential primary.

Addressing the massive crowd after presenting their demands to the party in the state, the leader of the group, Comrade Ezekiel Dimfa, made a passionate appeal to the party’s National Working Committee to look into the recent zoning arrangements in order to provide a level playing field for all in the 2027 presidential election.

Dimfa stated that while the group recognised the internal party dynamics and election-winning strategies, it urged the leadership to reconsider its decision to zone the presidential ticket to the South.

“We believe this move may inadvertently create perceptions of unfairness and undermine the party’s commitment to inclusivity and meritocracy. Nigerians are united in their desire for effective leadership that can tackle the nation’s pressing challenges, including economic woes and security threats, and we believe that only the PDP can provide leaders with the ability to deliver tangible results and drive national progress.

“We kindly appeal that the PDP prioritise a level playing field for all aspirants, regardless of geographical location. This approach will uphold the principles of fairness and equity and ensure that the party presents a strong, united front to the Nigerian people.”

He noted that despite previous zoning of the presidential ticket, the past had always allowed those from other geopolitical zones to contest in its primary, and that barring other interested members outside the southern part of the country was unfair.

Comrade Dimfa, however, commended the National Working Committee of the party led by Iliya Damagun, the BOT members and other critical stakeholders of the party for their unwavering commitment to stabilising the party and sustaining the momentum as the party prepared for the Ibadan National Convention in 2025.

Dimfa further reiterated the support of the group for Barr Caleb Mutfwang on the Plateau and Dr. Gbenga Joel Hashim for president, believing that they possess the vision, leadership skills and character required to lead Plateau and Nigeria to greatness. (Nigerian Tribune)