The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced that its 2027 presidential ticket is open to aspirants from all regions of Nigeria, even as zoning to the South remains a guiding factor.

Dr. Gbenga Olawepo‑Hashim, a technocrat and politician from the North‑Central, has welcomed the decision, seeing it as vindication of his longstanding arguments for fairness and inclusion.

Prominent analyst Udenta Udenta emphasized that unity among opposition parties will be critical to challenge the ruling APC.

Without cohesion especially between PDP and the Labour Party, he warned, the APC could maintain its hold on power.

National Legal Adviser of PDP, Kamaldeen Ajibade, clarified on Arise Television that while zoning remains an important tool, it should not override the Constitution, which guarantees citizens everywhere the right to seek elective office.

Supporters of Olawepo‑Hashim have described the party’s stance as a victory for democracy and inclusivity.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Tuesday paid a visit to a faction of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, at their office in Lagos.

Obi was joined by the Labour Party’s 2023 Lagos governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and Dr. Tanko Yunusa, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement.

They were received by factional leaders, including Oba Oladipo Olaitan, Chief Supo Shonibare, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, and Chief Sola Ebiseni, among others.

In a statement co-signed by Oba Olaitan and Afenifere’s Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye, the group confirmed that the meeting involved extensive discussions on the state of the nation and Obi’s political plans for 2027.

Obi thanked Afenifere for their support during the 2023 election and reaffirmed his commitment to key issues such as restructuring, education, healthcare, rural development, and full employment.

“There were wide discussions ranging from Peter Obi’s candidacy in the 2027 presidential elections to the state of the nation, including harassment of opposition voices, threats to democracy, the economic crisis, and governance costs,” the statement said.

Afenifere’s leaders restated their support for equity, justice, and national prosperity.

They expressed appreciation for Obi’s alignment with their values and voiced concern over the shrinking democratic space in Nigeria.

The meeting wrapped up with both parties pledging further collaboration and continued engagement.

Afenifere, originally founded in the 1950s under the leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, has long been a key voice in Yoruba and national politics, known for its progressive ideals and advocacy for federalism.

However, deep divisions have plagued the group in recent years. One faction, led by the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo, backed Peter Obi during the 2023 elections.

The other, under Pa Reuben Fasoranti, supported President Bola Tinubu.

Tensions heightened after the election, with Adebanjo’s group insisting that Obi won, a claim Fasoranti dismissed as illegitimate.

By 2025, the rift had solidified, with both factions ruling out reconciliation.

President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja on Tuesday evening following a portion of his annual leave spent in France.

His presidential jet landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport around 6:45 pm, where he was warmly welcomed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, and other top government officials.

Tinubu departed Nigeria on September 4, 2025, initially planning to divide his vacation between France and the United Kingdom.

However, he ultimately completed the leave solely in France.

While in Paris, the President held a private luncheon with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.

The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, reviewing key areas for strategic cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties for mutual prosperity and global stability.

This marks Tinubu’s seventh visit to Paris since taking office in May 2023, and his first since attending the BRICS summit in Brazil in July, and the TICAD9 conference in Japan in August.

Within the first nine months of 2025, President Tinubu has made 15 international trips to 11 different countries.

These visits have included a mix of high-profile summits, bilateral meetings, inaugurations, and official holidays.

His year began with a January 6 trip to Accra, Ghana, to attend the inauguration of President-elect John Dramani Mahama on January 7.

Shortly after, from January 12 to 16, Tinubu was in the United Arab Emirates for the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Summit, where he engaged Gulf investors and officials on trade and energy partnerships.

In late January, he traveled to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to participate in the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit.

February saw a visit to France before attending the 37th African Union Summit in Ethiopia, where he joined fellow African leaders in discussing regional security, climate resilience, and continental trade integration under the AfCFTA.

From April 2 to 21, Tinubu undertook a two-week working visit to France and the United Kingdom.

In mid-May, he traveled to Vatican City to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.

June and July featured a historic state visit to Saint Lucia, where Tinubu addressed CARICOM leaders, followed by his participation in the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In August, he attended the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Japan, where he promoted Nigeria’s investment opportunities and discussed maritime security and digital infrastructure with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

During this period, Tinubu made two visits to the UAE, stopping over in Dubai in August.

His September itinerary included working vacations to the UK and France, marking his third trip to Paris and second to London this year.