The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West has asserted that power should remain in the southern region of the country in 2027 to complete the region’s two-term tenure.
The zonal chapter of the party has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to set aside his 2027 presidential ambitions in the interest of fairness, equity, and justice.
“By 2031, by the grace of God, you will not see some of us supporting a southerner for the presidency again,” Kamorudeen Ajisafe, the South-West zonal chairman of the party, told journalists on Thursday in Lagos.
“But for now, southerners should be allowed to complete their eight years.”
Mr Ajisafe expressed confidence that the upcoming convention would reposition the PDP ahead of future elections.
He expressed hope that Mr Abubakar and other disaffected members would return after the national convention, scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan.
Mr Ajisafe stated that the party remains open to reconciliation and expects all estranged members to reunite with the PDP following the convention.
“Definitely, we want them back. We are awaiting the convention. Let us put an end to the antics of a few members disrupting the peace of our party,” he said.
He added that the PDP leadership believes Mr Abubakar and other prominent figures who left the party would soon return.
“If they wish to come back, why not? We are ready to welcome them. We are not opposed to their return. Let them come back,” he remarked.
According to him, the only way for the opposition to make a meaningful impact in the 2027 general elections is by uniting as a strong, cohesive party.
“That is what Nigerians will recognise as a serious opposition. When the APC sought to dislodge the PDP in 2014, they came together.
“We must also make sacrifices and demonstrate selflessness,” Mr Ajisafe stated.
He expressed confidence that the upcoming convention would position the PDP favourably for future elections.
(NAN)
