Senator Abba Moro, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has openly admitted that the party made a critical error by fielding former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections. The Senate Minority Leader described the decision as one that weakened the opposition’s chances and ultimately contributed to the party’s loss.
Speaking during a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Moro reflected on the party’s strategic choices, acknowledging that the PDP’s bid to wrest power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) fell short due to its failure to align with public sentiment. In his view, the decision to field a northern candidate after a northern president’s tenure was a move that backfired.
“In 2022, we thought it was the right approach to throw open the zoning arrangement, thinking we could present the best candidate. But the public resisted the notion of a northern candidate succeeding another northern leader, and the PDP lost the election partly due to that,” Moro explained.
He went on to express regret, saying that the PDP now recognizes the need for change. “We have been reconciling and reviewing our strategy. A consensus has emerged among party leaders that fielding a northern candidate in 2023 was a mistake,” he added. Moro emphasized that the party’s new direction would focus on zoning the 2027 presidential ticket to the South, ensuring fairness and unity within the party.
The PDP, at its 102nd National Executive Committee meeting, resolved to zone the next presidential ticket to the South, while allowing the North to retain the position of National Chairman. Moro believes this move reflects the party’s commitment to restoring balance and fairness in its leadership structure.
Moro’s comments also highlighted the aftermath of the 2023 election, which he described as a monumental loss for the PDP.
“We lost a very significant election in a disastrous manner. The party deeply regrets the decision we made,” he said.
