Byline: By Chinedu Okafor | SaharaNews247
Published: August 28, 2025
Introduction
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, while retaining the national chairmanship in the North. Following this decision, Peter Obi’s former Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Katchy Ononuju, described Obi as a “tool” used to press for inclusive governance. His remarks have ignited conversations across the political spectrum about zoning, inclusion, and Nigeria’s path toward 2027.
This article examines the facts, analyzes the PDP’s zoning decision, and explores its implications for the coming elections.
What Was Said
Reacting to PDP’s announcement, Ononuju stated:
“Peter Obi was a tool we used to achieve our aim of asserting our seriousness that everybody should be included in the governance of Nigeria.”
His comment underscores the role Obi played in making inclusion a dominant theme in Nigeria’s political discourse after the 2023 elections.
Understanding the PDP Zoning Decision
On August 25, 2025, the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) resolved that:
The 2027 presidential ticket will be zoned to the South.
The party’s chairmanship will remain in the North.
This move followed the recommendations of a zoning committee chaired by Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State.
By zoning the presidency to the South, the PDP has revived Nigeria’s longstanding debate on power rotation—a principle aimed at balancing representation between the North and South.
Why the “Tool for Inclusion” Remark Matters
The phrase “tool for inclusion” highlights a deeper truth: Peter Obi’s candidacy and the Obidient Movement pressured political elites to confront the demand for regional and minority representation.
For Obi’s supporters, the remark confirms that his role in 2023 reshaped Nigeria’s political expectations. For the PDP, it is an acknowledgment that ignoring such demands could prove costly at the ballot box.
Reactions Across the Political Landscape
The zoning decision has drawn varied reactions:
Supporters of the move see it as a corrective step, ensuring that Southern leaders are not excluded in 2027.
Some Northern blocs have expressed unease, questioning the fairness of the timing.
Critics argue zoning alone cannot fix Nigeria’s governance challenges, insisting the focus should shift toward competence, credibility, and policy strength.
Key Implications for 2027
1. PDP Primaries Will Be Southern-Centric
With the ticket locked to the South, competition will intensify among Southern heavyweights. Expect bargaining across South-East, South-South, and South-West blocs.
2. South-East Could Gain Renewed Attention
The South-East, long marginalized in presidential politics, is likely to be a focal point. However, analysts say only concrete policy commitments—not rhetoric—will sway voters.
3. Coalition Politics May Intensify
The decision could encourage alliances between PDP and other opposition parties, including possible collaboration with elements of the Labour Party.
4. APC Will Recalibrate Strategy
The ruling party may see opportunities if opposition unity falters. The zoning move could either strengthen the opposition or deepen internal rifts.
5. The Zoning Debate Isn’t Over
Since zoning is not a constitutional requirement, internal disputes and even legal challenges may arise ahead of primaries.
What This Means for Peter Obi
For Obi, being called a “tool for inclusion” signals his lasting influence even outside PDP. While he remains a strong figure within the opposition space, his next steps will depend on whether political parties extend credible offers backed by clear commitments.
His supporters, meanwhile, appear cautiously optimistic, waiting for concrete moves that could translate the rhetoric of inclusion into tangible benefits.
Editorial Perspective: Inclusion Beyond Zoning
While zoning addresses symbolic fairness, it does not automatically translate into real inclusion. Genuine inclusion must reflect in:
Policy: Equitable development and security investments across all regions.
Process: Transparent primaries and coalition agreements.
Representation: Appointments that go beyond token gestures to reflect Nigeria’s federal character.
Zoning is a start, but without clear governance guarantees, it risks being little more than a political ritual.
Conclusion
The “tool for inclusion” remark by Peter Obi’s camp is real and firmly tied to the PDP’s decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South. The development represents both an acknowledgment of past exclusions and a test for the future.
Whether PDP’s zoning leads to genuine unity or fresh divisions will depend on how the party manages internal competition, engages with the South-East, and builds trust with voters ahead of the 2027 elections.
Author Bio
Chinedu Okafor is a political correspondent for SaharaNews247, covering party politics, election strategy, and governance reforms across West Africa. He has reported extensively on Nigeria’s 2019 and 2023 election cycles and specializes in data-backed political analysis.
Email: chinedu.okafor@saharanews247.com | X (Twitter): @ChineduReports
