Founder of PDP Back to the South Candidate, Cancellation of Slam, Call for Rebirth of the Party

The founders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had threw their weight behind the South Presidential Candidate for the 2027 general election, stating it as a step needed to restore the party’s identity, foster national unity, and uphold the ideals of the establishment of justice and justice.

At the National Recovery Conference on the choice of PDP held in Abuja on Wednesday, leading party leaders – including Prof. Jerry Gana, former President of the Bukola Saraki Senate, Governor of Bala Mohammed from the State of Bauchi, and former state state Niger Babangida Aliyu – conveying strong messages about the future and PDP state.

Prof. Gana, one of the party pioneering figures, called for the zoning of the 2027 presidential ticket to the south, emphasized the strategic and moral interests of the move.

“In line with the patriotic ideals of our founders, we urge all PDP leaders to support the zoning of the 2027 presidential ticket to the south. This approach will not only help us win but also promote justice and justice,” said Gana.

He regretted the current Nigerian state under the decision of all the progressive congress (APC), quoting the deteriorating sense of insecurity, economic difficulties, and national divisions.

“APC promises changes but only gives chains; chain of difficulty, poverty, and despair,” he said, reiterating the heritage of PDP in building strong institutions such as EFCC, ICPC, Tetfund, and UBEC.

Gana also asked the National Party Executive Committee (NEC) to hold a transparent national convention and included all to choose the new National Work Committee (NWC).

“There is no more confidential imposition or agreement. Delegation must freely choose a new leader to direct the resurrection of our party,” he stressed, while urged the party to deliberately empower youth and women in his leadership and strategy.

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“PDP must deliberately create space for young Nigeria who are brilliant and energetic. Fresh ideas and their digital skills are very important to build the Nigeria that we want,” added Gana.

Former Governor of Babangida Aliyu sharply criticized political nomadism, a warning to habits whose loyalty shifted based on personal ambitions.

“We must stop bringing back politicians known for jumping from one party to the other. The lack of their discipline has caused a lot of damage. Loyalty must be respected, and betrayal is punished,” Aliyu said.

The Governor of Bala Mohammed echoed the call for party discipline and internal cohesion. He warned of PDP members involved in the cross-party alliance and reiterated the commitment of the PDP Governor to democratic values and inclusive governance.

“If you are in PDP, you should not be part of the coalition with other parties. That is a deviation,” he said. He also revealed that NWC has now declared a willingness to move if their sustainable leadership is a threat to party unity.

“They agreed to leave if their presence caused division. It was a big sacrifice,” Mohammed said.

Former President of the Bukola Saraki Senate urged party members to remain firm in rebuilding PDP from within rather than walking away.

“Yes, we have challenges. But should we leave PDP because they are? I have been angry. But anger does not solve leadership problems. Leaving PDP is not the answer,” Saraki said, gathering support for unity. “Let’s fix the roof, don’t leave the house. If the party collapses under our watch, history will not forgive us.”

The party, who looked forward to 2027, outlines six priority fields: governance reform, national security, economic revival, infrastructure, agriculture, and investment in health and education.

Meanwhile, during a separate high -level interaction at the PDP headquarters in Wadata Plaza, Abuja, former presidential candidate Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim also expressed optimism that PDP was on the path for national awakening.

“From the beginning, PDP was built as a national platform. Since 1998, there has been a large presence of PDP in almost every voting unit throughout the country. This inheritance remains alive,” he said.

He convinced the loyal party that the defector did not signify the decline of the party.

“Don’t be discouraged by those who have gone. The actual power of any party is not to some strong people, but to the people, and people are still with PDP,” he said.

Olawepo-Hashim also praised the Acting Chairman of the National Ambassador Umaru Damagun for his calm leadership in the volatile era.

“The wisdom and calmness Amb. Damagun has been in control of this party to be praised. He has guarded the house standing when others want to tear him,” he said.

Looking at the future, he called for the emergence of visionary and credible candidates who were able to lead Nigeria towards the revival of the economy, social justice and national security.

“Nigeria is looking for a new type of leadership. PDP must offer that hope. With unity, discipline, and courage, PDP will rise again – not only to win the election, but to rebuild Nigeria,” he concluded.

Earlier that day, Olawepo-Hashim joined the other party elders at the PDP founder strategy meeting held at the Naf Center in Abuja.