Introduction to the Controversy
Veteran journalist and politician, Dele Momodu, has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of succumbing to what he described as “cheap and puerile blackmail” orchestrated by internal saboteurs who, despite being in the opposition, are openly and daringly working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This accusation comes in reaction to the PDP’s announcement to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a resolution reached during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja.
The PDP’s Zoning Resolution
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, announced that NEC approved the recommendations of the party’s zoning committee after extensive deliberations. According to the communique issued, the current zoning arrangement for the National Working Committee (NWC) positions will remain in place for the upcoming national convention in November, where a new NWC is expected to be elected. The party resolved that having retained the position of the national chairman in the northern region of the country, the presidential candidate of the party for the 2027 general election is hereby zoned to the southern region.
Reaction from Dele Momodu
Reacting to this resolution, Momodu, a former PDP presidential aspirant, claimed that the zoning resolution was engineered to benefit President Bola Tinubu, alleging a behind-the-scenes alliance between former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the presidency. Momodu added that no Jupiter will stop Wike from using PDP structures for Tinubu, noting that “that’s already a done deal.” He expressed his disappointment and skepticism regarding the decision, stating that it was a reckless move in the history of Nigeria’s democracy.
Allegations of Cross-Party Collaboration
Momodu further alleged that Wike keeps belching orders at helpless Governors who are too jittery to stand firm against daredevil dictatorship. He criticized Wike for his role in throwing out zoning in 2022 and lobbying to be Vice President of a Northern candidate, only to now advocate for power to be ceded to the South in 2027. Momodu also dismissed speculation that prominent Southern figures like former President Goodluck Jonathan, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, or Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde might receive the PDP’s 2027 presidential ticket, calling such claims “blatant lies from the pit of hell.”
Criticism of Hypocrisy within the Party
The Ovation Magazine publisher criticized what he described as “hypocrisy” within the party, stating the lack of a Northern replacement following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and the lack of opposition to Tinubu’s controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2023. Momodu questioned the party’s selective application of truth and principle, asking where the party’s leaders were when President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua died and no one fought for his replacement from the North after Jonathan completed their first term.
PDP’s Struggle for Relevance
PDP, which governed Nigeria from 1999, has struggled to redefine itself in the opposition and maintain internal cohesion and national relevance since its loss of federal power to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015. The party has faced many factional disputes, leadership tussles, controversial power rotation between the North and South, and shifting allegiances. In the lead-up to the 2023 general elections, the PDP faced internal resistance after it abandoned the zoning arrangement, allowing a Northern candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to emerge as its flagbearer.
Conclusion
The accusations leveled by Dele Momodu against the PDP and the alleged alliance between Wike and the presidency have significant implications for the party’s future and its ability to present a united front against the ruling APC. The PDP’s decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South has been met with skepticism and criticism, with many questioning the party’s motives and commitment to democratic principles. As the 2027 general elections approach, the PDP will need to address its internal challenges and present a credible alternative to the APC if it hopes to regain power.
FAQs
- Q: What is the PDP’s zoning resolution for the 2027 presidential election?
A: The PDP has resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South. - Q: Who has been accused of orchestrating the zoning resolution?
A: Dele Momodu has accused internal saboteurs, allegedly working with the APC, of orchestrating the zoning resolution. - Q: What is the alleged role of Nyesom Wike in the zoning resolution?
A: Momodu has alleged that Wike is working behind the scenes with the presidency to benefit President Bola Tinubu. - Q: What are the implications of the PDP’s zoning resolution for the 2027 general elections?
A: The implications are significant, with many questioning the party’s motives and commitment to democratic principles, and the potential for the APC to benefit from the PDP’s internal divisions.
