The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West has maintained that power should remain in the southern part of the country in 2027 to complete the region’s two-term tenure.

The zonal chapter of the party urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to shelve his 2027 presidential ambition in the interest of fairness, equity, and justice.

“By 2031, by the grace of God, you will not see some of us supporting a southerner to be president again,” Kamorudeen Ajisafe, the party’s South-West zonal chairman, told journalists on Thursday in Lagos.

“But for now, southerners should be allowed to complete their eight years.”

Mr Ajisafe expressed confidence that the forthcoming convention would reposition the PDP ahead of future elections.

He, however, said the party is hopeful that Mr Abubakar and other aggrieved members will return after its national convention scheduled to be held on November 15 and 16 in Ibadan.

Mr Ajisafe said the party remained open to reconciliation and expected all estranged members to reunite with the PDP after the convention.

“Definitely, we want them back. We are waiting for the convention. Let us stop the shenanigans of a few members disturbing the peace of our party,” he said.

He added that the PDP leadership believed Mr Abubakar and other prominent leaders who left the party would soon return.

“If they want to come back, why not? We are ready to accept them. We are not against them returning. Let them come back,” he said.

According to him, the only way the opposition can make a meaningful impact in the 2027 general elections is by uniting as a strong, unified party.

“That is what Nigerians will see as a serious opposition. When the APC wanted to dislodge the PDP in 2014, they came together.

“We must also make sacrifices and show selflessness,” Mr Ajisafe said.

He expressed confidence that the forthcoming convention would reposition the PDP ahead of future elections.

(NAN)