The decision of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Committee (NEC) to zone the presidency to the South, and retaining the National Chairman of the party in the North has been described as another clear vindication of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike and the G-5’s position in 2022.

The Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, who reacted to the zoning, asked:

“Now, that the party has realised its mistake of not listening to Wike and the G-5 in 2022, and has chosen to do what they said, three years later, have they not been vindicated now?”

“Recall that the FCT Minister and the G-5 had insisted that the presidential candidate of the PDP and its National Chairman must not remain in the same zone, insisting that since Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, from the North had emerged as the presidential candidate, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, also from the North must resign to pave the way for a National Chairman from the South.

Ayu, however insisted on not resigning, with Atiku and his group backing him.

The aftermath of this was the electoral misfortune the party suffered in 2023, followed by instability after the elections.

“But today, the NEC resolved that since the National Chairman of the party is zoned to the North, the PDP 2027 Presidential ticket be zoned to the South.

“Has PDP not come back to eat its own vomit? “Sadly, they know the truth.

Wike simply said, Take the chairmanship to the South if you want to gain the presidency, but they said no, they must take the two, and the PDP lost!

“They have realised the mistake they made in 2022 and are correcting it in 2025.

But is it not too late already, bearing in mind that the only way the zoning can be justified is for the South to conclude its eight years, while the presidency returns to the North in 2031?

•Alfred Emberger

Benue State House of Assembly on Sunday elected Alfred Emberger as its new speaker.

This followed the resignation of the former speaker Aondona Dajoh.

Dajoh’s resignation is contained in a letter dated August 24, 2025, and titled “Resignation as the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly.”

Dajoh said his decision was made in good faith and in the interest of the state.

Dajoh, who represents Gboko West State Constituency, pledged to continue serving as a legislato

The appointment of the new speaker came shortly after the resignation of the former speaker

The new speaker is one of the four members suspended last Friday for attempting to remove the former speaker.

At the plenary session held on Sunday and presided over by the deputy speaker, Lami Danaldi-Ogenyi, the house resolved to lift the suspension on the four members.

The majority leader, Saater Tiseer, who said that the plenary was an emergency one, moved a motion for the lifting of the suspension on the four members and was seconded by Samuel Jiji of Logo state constituency.

The deputy speaker said, “Following the motion raised by the majority leader and supported by members of the house, this house has resolved to lift the suspension of the four members.”

After lifting the suspension, the four members were ushered into the chamber, and the nomination of the new speaker was announced.

A member representing the Makurdi South state constituency, Douglas Akyaa, moved a motion and nominated Emberger for the position of new speaker, seconded by Abu Umoru of the Apa state constituency.

While there was no other nomination, the new speaker took the oath of office administered by the Clerk of the house, John Hwande.

The new speaker, in his acceptance speech, commended the former speaker for his service and commitment to the progress of the house and the people of the state.

He further said, “To my esteemed colleagues, I assure you that this leadership will be anchored on inclusiveness, fairness and respect for diverse opinions.

This house under my watch will work harmoniously with the executive and judiciary while maintaining our independence in line with the principle of separation of powers.”

As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 presidential election, former President Goodluck Jonathan is facing increasing pressure—especially from northern opposition groups—to throw his hat into the ring and challenge incumbent President Bola Tinubu.

Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, initially assumed office following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in May 2010. He later won the 2011 election but lost to Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) coalition in 2015.

Despite the legal and political debates surrounding his eligibility—stemming from questions about whether he could serve more than one term after succeeding Yar’Adua—the Federal High Court in Yenagoa cleared Jonathan for the 2023 presidential race. However, he ultimately did not run, with speculation linking him to both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Now, as discussions intensify for 2027, Jonathan’s possible candidacy is again under the spotlight. Supporters suggest he might run on the PDP platform, given the party’s zoning of the presidency to the South and the constitutional provision limiting him to one term.

Yet, Jonathan has remained publicly silent on his intentions. Those close to him hint he could be a leading contender against President Tinubu, but no official confirmation has been made.

Political observers and figures have voiced divergent opinions on his potential return:

• Shehu Sani, former Kaduna Central lawmaker, argues that Jonathan should not contest, citing that the PDP he once led has changed significantly.
• Dele Farotimi, a prominent lawyer, warns that attempts to “rebrand” Jonathan overlook the reasons Nigerians voted him out in 2015, believing his tenure failed to resolve national issues.
• Deji Adeyanju, a human rights lawyer, claims Jonathan is not interested in running.

Within the PDP, opinions are also mixed. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, described the matter as speculative. However, Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, a Lagos PDP chieftain and former Atiku 2023 campaign council member, expressed skepticism about Jonathan securing the party’s nomination.

Pearse noted that Jonathan’s long absence from active party politics, lack of financial support, and questionable eligibility could hinder his bid. He suggested Jonathan would struggle to gather enough delegate support and warned of potential legal challenges if he pursued the presidency again.

Pearse added, “We have viable candidates like the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, who has demonstrated effective leadership and stands a strong chance to defeat Tinubu in 2027.”

As the debate continues, Jonathan’s next move remains uncertain, leaving Nigerians and political analysts closely watching whether he will step forward to contest or remain on the sidelines in the forthcoming presidential race.