PDP Will Rise Again, Founders Declare as They Back Southern Candidate for 2027

Founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have thrown their weight behind producing a presidential candidate from southern Nigeria for the 2027 general elections, describing the move as crucial to upholding the party’s values of justice, equity, and national unity.

Speaking at the PDP Founding Fathers’ National Restoration Conference held in Abuja yesterday, former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, stressed that zoning the 2027 ticket to the South would boost the party’s chances of victory while reinforcing fairness. Other notable speakers included former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Bauchi State Governor and PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman Bala Mohammed, and former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu.

“In line with the patriotic vision of our founding fathers, we urge all PDP leaders to support zoning the 2027 presidential ticket to the South,” Gana stated. He added that the PDP remains vibrant and committed to rescuing Nigeria from what he termed the failures of the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing insecurity, economic downturns, and disunity.

Gana called for the production of a solutions-driven manifesto to tackle poverty, insecurity, and hopelessness, accusing the APC of delivering “chains of hardship, poverty, and despair” instead of the promised change. He further urged the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) to organize a transparent National Convention to elect a credible National Working Committee (NWC).

The founding members also demanded greater inclusion of youth and women in leadership and campaign strategies. Gana emphasized that young Nigerians’ innovative ideas and digital expertise are key to achieving national progress.

On internal party challenges, Babangida Aliyu criticized the culture of “nomadic politics” and defections, calling for loyalty to be rewarded and indiscipline punished. Governor Bala Mohammed praised PDP governors for their record of inclusion and good governance, while confirming that the current NWC is willing to step down for reconciliation efforts.

Bukola Saraki urged party members to remain steadfast despite setbacks, warning that abandoning the PDP would only worsen its challenges. “Let’s fix the roof, not abandon the house. If the party collapses under our watch, history won’t forgive us,” he said.

Looking ahead to 2027, the PDP outlined six focus areas: governance reform, national security, economic revival, infrastructure development, agricultural transformation, and investment in health and education.

Meanwhile, former presidential candidate Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim declared that the PDP is set for a national comeback, asserting that its nationwide structure and grassroots strength make it the only credible alternative to the APC.

“From its inception, the PDP has had a presence in nearly every polling unit. This legacy is alive and makes PDP the true national platform capable of rescuing Nigeria in 2027,” he said. Olawepo-Hashim praised Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umaru Damagun for his steady leadership during turbulent times and urged the party to present a visionary candidate who prioritizes national security, economic revival, and social justice.

“With unity and discipline, the PDP will rise again, not just to win elections but to rebuild Nigeria,” he affirmed.