The Joint Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations (JACON) has rejected the People Democratic Party\u2019s (PDP) decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, describing the move as unjust, undemocratic, and a betrayal of the North\u2019s decades-long loyalty to the party.<\/p>\n
Addressing journalists in Kaduna on Tuesday, JACON said the PDP\u2019s action amounted to political marginalization and warned that it could have \u201cgrave consequences\u201d for the party in the forthcoming elections.<\/p>\n
According to the group, the North, despite being the backbone of PDP\u2019s electoral victories since 1999, has only held the presidency for two and a half years, compared to thirteen and a half years enjoyed by the South under the party\u2019s rule.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is undeniable historical fact that the North was shortchanged during PDP\u2019s 16 years in power. While the South dominated the presidency for over a decade, the North barely had two and a half years. To now zone the ticket back to the South in 2027 is a deliberate attempt to permanently sideline the region,\u201d JACON stated.<\/p>\n
The group maintained that fairness and equity demand that the PDP return its ticket to the North, insisting that the region deserves the opportunity to complete its own share of leadership.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe North can no longer continue to be the political beast of burden for a party that only uses its votes but denies it leadership. If this injustice is not corrected, we will mobilize our entire structures to respond appropriately at the polls,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n
JACON further announced that it would convene an emergency meeting of all its affiliate bodies to deliberate on a \u201ccomprehensive strategy\u201d to counter the PDP\u2019s zoning arrangement.<\/p>\n
The youth body also called on Northern political, traditional, and religious leaders to resist what it described as \u201ca brazen act of exclusion,\u201d declaring that \u201cthe time for silent acquiescence is over.\u201d<\/p>\n
The text of the press conference was signed by Ambassador Sanin Yaya, Director of Media and Public Affairs of JACON.<\/p>\n