The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria as the party intensifies preparations ahead of the next general election.
The decision was reached during the party’s national convention held in Abuja on Saturday, where delegates and party leaders gathered to deliberate on key issues shaping the future of the opposition platform.
In a brief announcement shared on its official social media platform, the party declared, “NDC presidential ticket is zoned to the South!!”
Party leaders also resolved that the presidential mandate for 2027 would last for only one four-year term, while the 2031 presidential ticket would be ceded to the North as part of a broader zoning arrangement aimed at balancing regional interests within the party.
The convention attracted several influential political figures within the NDC, including former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, both of whom recently joined the party.
Sources at the convention said the gathering was expected to ratify a number of decisions earlier taken by the National Executive Committee. .
Among the major issues listed for discussion were zoning arrangements, amendments to the party constitution, and the election of new national executives.
The NDC has recently witnessed a wave of defections from rival political parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), further strengthening its position ahead of 2027.
Earlier in the week, at least 17 members of the House of Representatives formally defected from the ADC to the NDC during plenary proceedings at the National Assembly.
The lawmakers announced as new members of the NDC include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande, and Munachim Umezuruike.
Others are Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene, Murphy Omoruyi, and Abdulhakeem Ado.
Their movement to the NDC came barely two days after Obi and Kwankwaso also formally dumped the ADC for the party.
Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, and Kwankwaso, who previously contested under the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), were presented with NDC membership cards last Sunday following a closed-door meeting with party leaders in Abuja.
The two politicians were received into the party by former Bayelsa State governor and NDC national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, amid loud cheers from supporters and party faithful.
Speaking on his decision to leave the ADC, Obi cited what he described as worsening political tensions, internal crises, and increasing external interference within party structures.
The former governor lamented that Nigeria’s political atmosphere had become increasingly hostile, noting that intimidation, insecurity, and constant attacks on political actors had become widespread.
He also expressed concern that institutions meant to protect citizens were now often being used against them, while individuals committed to genuine public service continued to face pressure both in public and private life.
