A prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former member of the Atiku Abubakar 2023 Presidential Campaign Committee, Adetokunbo Pearse, has called on the party to field a southern presidential candidate in the 2027 general election.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday, Pearse emphasized that presenting a candidate from the North could negatively affect the party’s prospects in the next election.
“The national sentiment now is that the PDP should field a southerner for president in 2027. Nigerians want a southern presidency to balance the current political rotation and rescue the nation,” Pearse stated.
He further argued that a southern candidate would complete the eight years of southern presidency and align with the expectations of many Nigerians.
Pearse dismissed the possibility of a merger between the PDP and other opposition parties such as the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). According to him, alliances in Nigerian politics rarely succeed due to the complexities of accommodating competing interests.
“Political mergers are not realistic. History has shown that such alliances hardly work, both locally and internationally. The PDP does not need any merger to win the 2027 elections,” Pearse asserted.
He also downplayed the relevance of the LP and NNPP in the political landscape, pointing out that both parties only managed to produce one governor each in the last general elections.
Pearse urged the PDP to focus on strengthening its internal structures and reconciling with members who left the party. He expressed optimism that if 60% of former members returned, the PDP could secure victory in the next presidential election.
“The 2023 election was close, and we already have 12 governors and a significant percentage of the National Assembly. With a united party and a southern candidate, we can dislodge the APC in 2027,” Pearse added.
He encouraged the party to intensify efforts to woo back members, particularly youths who supported the Labour Party in 2023, and rebuild a solid support base ahead of the next election.
Reflecting on the PDP’s loss in the 2023 elections, Pearse attributed it to internal divisions over zoning and the failure of the party’s leadership to adhere to constitutional principles.
“The confusion started when the party’s national chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, did not step down after a northern presidential candidate emerged. This caused a divided house, which ultimately cost us the election,” he said.
Pearse criticized the PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, for not doing enough to resolve the party’s internal disputes. He expressed confidence that such mistakes would not be repeated in 2027.
With a clear strategy and unity among its ranks, Pearse believes the PDP is well-positioned to reclaim power and deliver the leadership Nigerians desire.
