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By Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has disclosed that its presidential ticket would not be zoned to any region.
The party’s spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba disclosed this on Wednesday night after the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at the PDP headquarters in Abuja.
He said the decision aligns with the recommendation of 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 where possible,” Ologunagba said.
The party’s decision implies that all presidential hopefuls from the six geo-political zones can contest at the party’s special convention scheduled to take place on May 28.
Delegates from across the country will elect a candidate to represent the party in the 2023 presidential election at the special convention.
The announcement finally put to rest speculations regarding the zoning of the opposition party’s presidential ticket.
In April, there were reports that the PDP presidential ticket was thrown open, after the zoning committee submitted its recommendation to the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.
The decision elicited criticism, especially from those in the southern part of the country.
But Benue State Governor and chairman of the PDP zoning committee, Samuel Ortom, denied the claim, saying that he was misquoted on the matter.
The PDP spokesperson also said the NEC appointed former Senate President, David Mark, as chairman of the special convention committee, while Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, will serve as the deputy chairman.Former Katsina State Governor, Ibrahim Shema, will serve as secretary.