A National Executive Committee (NEC) member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Diran Odeyemi, and a Labour Party chieftain, Anslem Eragbe, have advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar against contesting the 2027 presidential election, insisting that power must remain in the South until 2031.
“2027 Presidency Belongs to the South” – Eragbe
Eragbe argued that Atiku should not have contested in 2023, as it was the South’s turn to produce a president. He stressed that:
🔹 Power should remain in the South until 2031.
🔹 The 2027 presidency should be micro-zoned to the South-South, particularly Edo and Delta States.
🔹 The South-South has ruled for the least number of years (5 years under Goodluck Jonathan).
He said “Atiku knows Nigeria’s power drill and equation. He should support younger Nigerians and provide guidance in 2027,” Eragbe said.
“Atiku’s 2023 Ambition Divided PDP” – Odeyemi
Odeyemi blamed Atiku’s 2023 ambition for the crisis in PDP, stating that if he steps aside in 2027, party unity would be restored.
🗣️ “The 2023 election was supposed to be between southerners, but Atiku insisted on contesting. That’s why PDP is in crisis,” he stated.
Will Atiku Step Aside?
While Atiku has the constitutional right to contest, PDP and LP chieftains are pushing for a southern presidency in 2027, warning that another northern candidacy could deepen political divisions.
