PDP’s Southern presidency 2027 strategy advances as Jerry Gana confirms talks with Peter Obi. Party pushes zoning to win 2027 and empower youth, women, and the South

PDP’s Southern presidency 2027 discussions have entered an active phase as party elder statesman Professor Jerry Gana confirmed holding talks with Peter Obi and other prominent southern figures ahead of the 2027 elections.

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Gana, a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), revealed in an interview monitored by THISDAY that while formal negotiations with Obi had not yet occurred, consultations were ongoing with his close associates.

“I have met people he would refer to, and I have sat with them for hours. We are moving step by step,” he said.

Gana emphasized that the PDP is not limiting its efforts to one individual. “We’re looking at more than one option. The South is full of talent,” he noted, reaffirming his commitment to a PDP Southern presidency 2027.

He also lamented the 2023 outcome, saying if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had stepped aside for Obi, it could have made a powerful national statement.

The PDP’s internal momentum appears to be shifting toward restoring the zoning principle, a founding philosophy aimed at promoting justice and unity.

Gana advocated for credible leadership at the upcoming national convention, along with robust youth and gender inclusion.

“We must mainstream youth and women. Their digital fluency and innovation are essential for Nigeria’s future,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Conference of Professionals in the PDP (CP-PDP) issued a strong endorsement of the southern zoning strategy.

In a statement by its coordinator, Obinna Nwachukwu, the group argued that zoning the presidential ticket to the South would offer the PDP a vantage point to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

“Throwing it open would be counter-productive and disrupt the eight-year power balance,” the group said.

The professionals added that, given the economic difficulties under the Tinubu administration, a southern candidate from PDP would be better placed to deliver national stability and complete the region’s rightful turn in power.

The CP-PDP also praised the party’s legal efforts to reclaim seats held by defected lawmakers, reinforcing internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 election cycle.

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With the PDP’s Southern presidency 2027 strategy gaining strong institutional and grassroots support, the party is aligning its internal reforms and outreach efforts toward a potentially historic presidential bid.