PDP Zoning: Tambuwal Refuses To Back Down As Governor Udom Joins Presidential Race

The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is still a long way from settling differences associated with the zoning of its presidential ticket ahead of the 2023 elections.

It was gathered that in a bid to find a solution to the zoning brouhaha, PDP governors had embarked on an unsuccessful trip to neighbouring Ghana.

The retreat in Ghana which was initiated to end the disagreement over the zoning failed to yield desired results as warring parties refused to sheath their swords.

It was gathered that the governors who were split among the North-South divide returned from Accra, the Ghanaian capital yesterday, after failing to reach a consensus during their held between Tuesday and Wednesday.

Governor Aminu Tambuwal, who rejected being the running mate to a Southern candidate, insisted on continuing with his presidential ambition.

It was learnt that Akwa Ibom Governor,  Udom Emmanuel’s interest in the presidential ticket came to the fore at the meeting.

Governors at the meeting, according to sources, are Aminu Tambuwal  (Sokoto), Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Emmanuel Udom (Akwa Ibom), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa).

“These governors used Diri’s anniversary as a shield to sneak into Ghana for a crucial meeting on zoning in anticipation of the release of timelines for primaries by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” a source told The Nation.

“At the meeting in Accra, the Southern governors insisted on power shift to the South in 2023.

“From their talks, ex-VP Atiku was ruled out as the party’s candidate in 2023.

“But some of them offered Tambuwal the Vice Presidential slot which he rejected.

“At the end of the day, there was no consensus on any of the presidential aspirants either from the North or the South.

“It was at the meeting that some of them realised that Governor Emmanuel might have shown interest in the presidential race.

“There was mutual suspicion that more PDP governors from the South have presidential aspirations. So, the situation is still dicey in PDP.”