A founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Eme Okoro, has urged the party to consider zoning its 2027 presidential ticket to the South‑East region in order to avoid electoral failure. Speaking to journalists in Umuahia, Abia State, the former Secretary to the Abia State Government warned that the PDP’s failure to guarantee the interests of the South‑East could lead to a decline in voter support.
Okoro emphasized that the PDP was founded on the principles of mandate and popular support, but it has since lost trust due to practices such as imposition, impunity, and disregard for agreements. He argued that the party must respect the principles of equity and zone the presidential ticket to the South‑East to avoid repeating past mistakes. Citing the PDP’s poor performance in the 2023 general elections in Abia State, Okoro illustrated the consequences of ignoring his warnings against imposition and the neglect of the Abia Charter of Equity.
Although he remains a PDP member, Okoro disclosed that he supported Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party, citing the governor’s achievements as the basis for his endorsement. His statement highlights the ongoing debate within the PDP over zoning and underscores the party’s need to reassess its strategy to regain voter trust.
The call to zone the presidential ticket to the South‑East is seen as a crucial step toward addressing the region’s perceived marginalisation and ensuring a more equitable distribution of power. The PDP’s decision on zoning is expected to have significant implications for its performance in the 2027 elections. As the party navigates its internal crisis, it must balance the interests of its various stakeholders to restore voter confidence and remain a viable force in Nigerian politics. With the 2027 elections on the horizon, the PDP’s approach to zoning and candidate selection will be closely watched by political observers and analysts.
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