NDC Reserves 2027 Presidency for South, Opens Path for Obi as Kwankwaso Backs Move

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria for a single four-year tenure, with the vice-presidential position allocated to the North.

The resolution, adopted during the party’s maiden National Convention at the Los Angeles Event Centre in Abuja, is seen as boosting the prospects of former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and other southern contenders.

The motion was introduced by Victor Ogene, the lawmaker representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in Anambra State, and was unanimously approved by delegates.

The party also resolved that after the South completes one term in office beginning in 2027, the presidency would automatically rotate back to the North in 2031.

Ogene said the arrangement reflects the party’s commitment to justice, inclusiveness and stability.

“In recognition of our country’s diversity and the need for balance, the party has resolved that the presidency shall rotate to the South in 2027 for a single term and subsequently return to the North in 2031,” he said.

He added that the decision was “more than a political arrangement” but rather “a moral statement on national cohesion,” intended to calm tensions surrounding the issue of power rotation.

Addressing delegates, Obi said the movement was focused on rebuilding Nigeria and tackling insecurity, poverty and governance failures.

“We are not changing political platforms for transactional reasons. We are making a principled decision to find a platform that gives us the opportunity to build a new Nigeria that is possible,” Obi declared.

He also cautioned against what he described as attempts to weaken opposition parties.

“We must insist that Nigeria cannot become a one-party state. Nigeria must remain a democracy, and we are determined that in 2027 there will be free, fair and credible elections,” he said.

According to Obi, Nigeria’s economic struggles are rooted in poor leadership.

“Nigeria is not a poor country. It is a country rooted in poverty by poor leadership and governance,” he added, promising that the NDC would pursue policies aimed at economic productivity, national security and restoring trust in governance.

Former Kano State governor and 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, also endorsed the zoning formula, calling it a courageous move toward fairness and inclusion.

“I support the decision to zone the presidential ticket of the NDC to the South in the interest of fairness, equity and national inclusion,” Kwankwaso said.

“This presents a true opportunity for national healing and genuine nation-building.”

He noted that insecurity and poor governance had worsened living conditions across the country, creating widows, orphans and displaced communities, while discouraging investment.

Kwankwaso is considered a likely vice-presidential partner to Obi under the arrangement.

On his part, former Bayelsa State governor and NDC National Leader, Seriake Dickson, accused the ruling party of attempting to suppress opposition voices.

“The Nigerian opposition landscape is heavily compromised, intimidated and constricted,” Dickson said, while maintaining that the party would resist intimidation.

He revealed that the NDC secured registration from INEC in February after overcoming several legal and administrative challenges.

Earlier in his address, NDC National Chairman Moses Cleopas described the convention as a landmark event for the party.

“Nigeria stands today at a critical crossroads,” Cleopas said, stressing that the party aimed to provide responsible leadership and credible governance.

The convention ended with delegates reaffirming the party’s commitment to democracy, national unity and restoring public confidence in governance.

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