Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has stated that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar cannot be the party’s presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Monday, George, who is also a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, emphasized that the party must respect its internal rotational zoning agreement, which stipulates power rotation between the North and South every eight years.
“Atiku can’t be the PDP presidential candidate in 2027. Our internal zoning policy makes it compulsory to be eight years for the South and North.
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“If Atiku emerges as the PDP candidate in 2027 by any means, the party will collapse,” he stated.
George’s remarks come amid heightened political activity and speculation about alliances ahead of the next presidential contest.
In recent days, Atiku Abubakar has been at the centre of a new opposition movement, joining forces with Labour Party’s Peter Obi and former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai to form a coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
However, the move has not been welcomed by all within the PDP. On the same day as George’s remarks, the PDP Governors’ Forum distanced itself from the Atiku-led coalition, signaling possible fractures within the opposition ranks.
George warned that violating the zoning formula would not only undermine party unity but could also alienate Southern stakeholders who feel sidelined by continued northern dominance in party politics.
The internal debate over zoning is expected to shape the PDP’s strategy in the months leading to the next election, especially as talks of mergers and coalitions continue to gain momentum.
