The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently facing a dilemma regarding the issue of zoning the governorship ticket. Some leaders of the party in the state are advocating for zoning, while others are against it.
The National Working Committee (NWC) and the governors under the PDP Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) are divided on this matter, as they prepare for the upcoming governorship primaries next month.
The party leaders are grappling with the question of demographics and the voting strength of each of the three senatorial districts, which has further complicated the situation. In Edo State, there is a campaign for zoning the governorship slot to the Central Senatorial District, as it has not yet produced a governor since the current republic began. However, it is worth noting that the previous governorship terms were held by individuals from Edo North and Edo South.
Edo Central has yet to produce a governor for the state, which some argue is a quest for justice, equity, and fair play. However, recent developments have altered this thinking. Party leaders in Abuja have expressed concerns about the political suicide that would result from zoning the governorship slot to Edo Central.
They argue that the demographics favor Edo South, which controls 52% of the votes compared to Edo Central’s 21% and Edo North’s 29%. The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party are also showing interest in candidates from Edo South.
This division has caused a rift within the NWC and the PDPGF, with Governor Godwin Obaseki advocating for zoning to Edo Central while others emphasize the importance of demographics in the election.
