2027: Zoning, Automatic Ticket Anti-democratic, Forum Leader Tells PDP

The Convener Christian and Muslim Youth Leaders’ Forum (CMYLF), Dr. Ekiye Ekiye has admonished the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ignore the idea of zoning its presidential candidacy to any geographical zone ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ekiye stated this while speaking to LEADERSHIP in Jos, the Plateau State capital, describing zoning or automatic ticket is unconstitutional and anti-democratic process that can alienate genuine political office seekers from participating in electoral process.

“Zoning should not take the place of constitution. Zoning will produce political office holders who are only interested in pleasing their masters and not the masses.

“As build-up to the 2027 general elections is gathering momentum, I encourage the opposition party, PDP, not to zone its presidential flag-bearer. They should allow a level-playing ground for the best and those who feel that they have what it takes to govern this country to contest the PDP presidential primary.

“Let those who are card-carrying members of PDP from the wards, units, LG, down to states level go to the convention arena to decide who should be their presidential flag-bearer by election. It should be keenly contested to pick the best,” he argued.

Ekiye further argued that there are good people in PDP like Hon. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, who he said to be interested in the presidential race, adding that people like him who indicated interest should not be discarded by the zoning arrangement.

Speaking on the insecurity in the country, Ekiye said government should encourage more private security operatives.

He maintained that some of the insecurity cased being experienced were political, ethnic, economic and religious-driven, stressing that government at all levels including individuals must take responsibility for the security in the country.

“Nigeria security situation is not like the State of Israel and some other countries where you know where the enemies are. Nigeria’s situation is internal. The enemies lived within, some as a result of anger because of what they are going through politically or economically.

“Once we have good governance and leadership that is addressing the yearnings and aspirations of the people, insecurity will be reduced to the nearest minimum in the country,” he said.