… North To Regain Ticket In 2031 Under New Zoning Formula
… Obi, Kwankwaso Hail Decision At Party’s Inaugural Convention
Daud Olatunji
The Nigeria Democratic Congress on Saturday formally zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South for a single four-year term, a move seen as strengthening the prospects of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, and other southern aspirants ahead of the next general election.
The decision was ratified at the party’s inaugural national convention in Abuja, following a motion moved by a member of the House of Representatives, Afam Victor Ogene, and backed by delegates.
Under the arrangement, the party resolved that the presidency would rotate back to the North in 2031, in line with its power-sharing formula.
The announcement triggered jubilation among delegates, with party leaders describing the zoning formula as a strategic step to consolidate support in the South and reposition the party as a formidable opposition force.
Addressing the convention, Obi said his political movement was driven by a commitment to national rebirth rather than personal ambition.
“We are not changing political platforms for transactional reasons. We are making a principled decision to build a new Nigeria,” he said.
He warned against attempts to weaken opposition politics, stressing that Nigeria must not drift into a one-party state.
“Beneficiaries of democracy are becoming agents of its destruction. We must insist that Nigeria remains democratic with credible elections in 2027,” he added.
Obi lamented rising poverty, insecurity and unemployment, noting that millions of Nigerians were trapped in hardship due to poor governance.
“Nigeria is not a poor country, but one trapped in poverty by bad leadership,” he said, pledging that the party would prioritise economic production, security and public trust if elected.
Also speaking, a former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, endorsed the zoning decision, describing it as consistent with equity and national balance.
“I support zoning the presidential ticket to the South so the region can complete its turn. This aligns with our agreement and the principles of fairness,” he said.
Kwankwaso, who leads the Kwankwasiyya Movement, said Nigeria was facing deepening economic and security crises, urging citizens to support credible alternatives.
Similarly, the party’s national leader and former Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, decried what he described as growing intimidation of opposition parties.
He disclosed that the NDC overcame prolonged legal and administrative hurdles before securing registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission earlier in the year.
“Contrary to claims, there is no appeal against our registration. INEC has duly recognised our party,” he said, adding that the zoning decision reflected the party’s founding principles.
In his remarks, the National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, said the convention marked a turning point for the party’s democratic journey.
He said the NDC was founded on justice, inclusion and accountability, and would offer Nigerians a credible alternative ahead of 2027.
“Millions of Nigerians are grappling with hardship, unemployment and insecurity. True opposition must provide solutions and direction,” he said.
Cleopas added that the party would prioritise youth empowerment, women inclusion and institutional reforms, while urging members to remain united.
Political observers say the zoning arrangement could reshape alliances within the opposition and influence emerging coalitions as parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.
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