Quote from Chukwuma on May 12, 2026, 10:58 am

The political landscape for the 2027 general elections is already heating up as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s lobby for a northern presidential candidate faces intense pushback from southern power blocs within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Atiku’s camp argues that a northern candidate is the party’s best bet for recapturing the presidency, citing a perceived “disenchantment” with the current administration in the northern region.

 

However, southern stakeholders, including several influential governors, have insisted on the principle of rotation, arguing that the presidency must return to the South or remain there to maintain national unity. This friction has led to several “stormy meetings” at the party’s national secretariat, with threats of a mass defection if a southern candidate is not prioritized.

Meanwhile, political analysts suggest that the internal strife in the PDP is playing into the hands of the ruling APC. The emergence of a “third force” coalition, involving smaller parties and disgruntled PDP members, is also complicating Atiku’s calculations. The former VP’s supporters remain undeterred, embarking on a nationwide consultation tour to “re-brand” his image and sell his economic blueprint.

As the 2027 race begins to take shape, the debate over “zoning” versus “merit” continues to dominate the Nigerian political discourse. The coming months will be crucial for the PDP as it attempts to reconcile these deep-seated regional divisions before its national convention, where the party’s direction for the next election cycle will be decided.

https://punchng.com/2027-presidency-atikus-northern-ticket-campaign-faces-resistance/