2023: PDP dumps zoning, may settle for consensus arrangement

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has decided to throw open its 2023 presidential ticket to all sections of the country.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, disclosed this at the end of the PDP’s National Executive Council meeting on Wednesday.

The decision to throw open the ticket he said, was in line with the recommendation made by the party’s zoning committee.

“After a very extensive deliberation NEC aligned with the recommendation of the PDP National Zoning Committee that the Presidential Election should now be left open. The party should also work towards consensus candidate where possible.

“NEC noted the recommendation of the Zoning Committee that in the interest of justice and fair play, the Party should take decision on Zoning timeously so as to prevent complications to the process,” he said.

Mr Ologunagba further said the party will conduct of the Presidential Primary (Special National Convention) to elect the party’s presidential candidate on Saturday May 28 and Sunday May 29, 2022 in Abuja.

The National Convention Organising Committee will be headed by former Senate President, David Mark, with Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as Deputy Chairman and Ibrahim Shema as Secretary.

This announcement comes weeks after the zoning committee submitted its see recommendations to the PDP NEC.

The party’s decision on zoning comes amid calls and expectations that it would zone the presidential ticket to the south – ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Already, the party’s presidential screening committee headed by Mr Mark has screened 17 presidential aspirants who have purchased the nomination forms.