The only way the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) can win the 2027 presidential election is to pick its candidate from the southern part of the country, former Information Minister, Prof Jerry Gana has canvassed.
According to Gana, picking a candidate from the south would enthrone fairness, equity and justice in the party.
The former minister spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at a consultative conference of PDP founding fathers and stakeholders.
“In tune with this patriotic wisdom of the founding fathers, we urge all our leaders to support the strategy of bringing out our presidential candidate for 2027 from the southern region.
“Such a strategy will not only ensure victory at the polls, but also promote justice, fairness and equity.
“We appeal to all our leaders to agree at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting coming up on Thursday.
“The NEC meeting will prepare the ground for our national convention where we to elect a fresh set of party officers, for the next four years.
“We must also ensure a transparent and credible national convention that will set a gold standard for internal party democracy.
“The convention must be transparent, accountable and reflective of our democratic ideals. No more backroom deals or impositions.
“Delegates should freely elect a new National Working Committee (NWC); men and women of proven integrity, competence, and unwavering loyalty to the ideals of PDP.
“The new NWC should be the engine room of our rebuilding, repositioning and resurgence of the PDP. We must also develop a new focus on empowering the next generation.
“We reaffirm our commitment to youth inclusion and generational equity, which is very crucial,” Gana said.
He called on the leadership of the PDP to open the space for younger Nigerians, saying that brilliant, energetic and innovative young minds should be allowed to participate actively as leaders in the party.
He also made a case for the youth in the nomination process leading to the emergence of candidates for elections at all levels.
Continuing, Prof Gana said, “Their ideas, energy and digital fluency are essential for building the Nigeria we all deserve. Our 2027 electoral strategy must elevate young leaders with fresh ideas and proven commitment.
“We should deliberately mainstream youth and women into our party’s core leadership structure, ensuring that their voices are heard and their contributions are highly valued.”
Gana recalled that the founding fathers of the PDP were guided by timeless principles, deep rooted values, and fundamental objectives.
He emphasised that the key objective of forming the PDP was not merely to capture political power.
According to him, the founding fathers were greatly motivated by the desire to build a qualitatively and better society in Nigeria, based on the principles of democracy, human rights, freedom, and social justice among others.
Among those in attendance at the conference were former Governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi; former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki; and former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau.
Others were former PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Olabode George; former ministers that served in past PDP-led administrations; members of the NWC and many others.
![Actor Jerry Williams reportedly arrested by Izutech [VIDEO]](https://storage.googleapis.com/ova-news.appspot.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/jerry-Scy5NE.webp "Actor Jerry Williams reportedly arrested by Izutech [VIDEO]")
