Dele Momodu, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party, has criticized the zoning of presidential tickets for the 2027 general election, alleging that it is being manipulated to benefit the ruling All Progressives Congress. In an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Sunrise Daily’ program, Momodu described zoning as unconstitutional and a deliberate attempt to reduce competition against President Bola Tinubu.

According to Momodu, the Nigerian Constitution does not prohibit anyone from contesting the presidency, regardless of their geographic origin. He views zoning as a tool of blackmail designed to weaken opposition parties. Momodu argued that by limiting other parties to fielding southern candidates, they would be at a disadvantage against President Tinubu, who is from the South.

The concept of zoning in Nigerian politics refers to the practice of rotating political power between different regions. However, Momodu believes that this practice is being exploited to undermine the chances of opposition parties. As a former presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, Momodu’s comments reflect the concerns of some opposition parties that zoning is being used to maintain the ruling party’s grip on power.

The 2027 general election is expected to be a crucial test for Nigeria’s democratic institutions. The debate over zoning highlights the complexities and challenges of Nigeria’s political landscape. With various parties and stakeholders holding different views on the issue, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the lead-up to the election.

In the context of Nigeria’s political history, the zoning debate is not new. However, Momodu’s comments have reignited the discussion, emphasizing the need for a level playing field in the electoral process. As the country prepares for the 2027 election, the ongoing debate over zoning is likely to continue, with significant implications for the country’s political future.