The National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Kamaldeen Ajibade, has said the party’s decision to zone its presidential ticket to the South does not prevent aspirants from other regions from contesting.
Ajibade stated this on Monday while speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show.
He explained that while zoning is part of the PDP’s internal arrangements for balance and equity, it cannot override the Nigerian Constitution, which allows every citizen the right to contest for elective office.
“I want to take on one particular aspect of this your question. We should talk about the zoning of our presidential candidate to the South. The zoning, purely to the South, has to do with our own internal democracy, and that has to do with our Constitution, requiring us to do zoning, to do balancing. But that will not preclude any other person to run, if they deem to come up to run. We cannot do things that will run against the Constitution of Nigeria itself, which is the grand norm.
“Even if we zone our presidential candidate to the South, it will not stop anybody from any part of the country from showing interest. We cannot stop that because the Constitution of Nigeria gives everyone the right to run for office,” he said.
The PDP legal adviser also stressed the importance of unity and reconciliation within the party, warning politicians not to place their personal ambitions above the collective interest of the PDP.
He said past disputes, including the rift involving the G5 governors, were largely fueled by ambition, but noted that the party has made significant progress in resolving its internal issues.
Ajibade expressed optimism that members are now united and committed to moving the party forward.
Zoning presidency to south doesn’t stop aspirants from north – PDP legal adviser, Ajibade
