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… The North will regain its ticket in 2031 under the new zoning formula
…Obi, Kwankwaso hail decision at inaugural party convention
Daud Olatunji
The Nigeria Democratic Congress on Saturday formally split 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 elections.
The decision was ratified at the party’s inaugural national convention in Abuja, following a motion put forward by a member of the House of Representatives, Afam Victor Ogene, and supported by delegates.
Under the agreement, the party decided that the presidency would return to the North in 2031, in line with its power-sharing formula.
The announcement sparked 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 is driven by 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 undermine opposition politics, stressing that Nigeria must not slide into a one-party state.
“The 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, stressing that millions of Nigerians are trapped in hardship due to poor governance.
“Nigeria is not a poor country, but a country trapped in poverty by bad leadership,” he said, promising that if elected, the party will prioritize economic production, security and public trust.
Furthermore, former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, endorsed the zoning decision, describing it as consistent with national equity and balance.
“I support zoning the presidential ticket to the South so that the region can complete its turn. This is in line with our agreement and the principles of fairness,” he said.
Kwankwaso, who leads the Kwankwasiyya Movement, said Nigeria was facing a deepening economic and security crisis, 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 revealed that the NDC overcame lengthy legal and administrative hurdles before gaining registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission earlier this year.
“Contrary to claims, there is no appeal against our registration. INEC has duly recognized our party,” he said, adding that the zoning decision reflects the party’s founding principles.
In his speech, the national president, Moses Cleopas, said that the convention marked a turning point for the party’s democratic path.
He said the NDC is founded on justice, inclusion and accountability and will offer Nigerians a credible alternative before 2027.
“Millions of Nigerians are grappling with hardship, unemployment and insecurity. The real opposition must provide solutions and guidance,” he said.
Cleopas added that the party will prioritize youth empowerment, women’s inclusion and institutional reforms, urging members to remain united.
Political observers say the zoning deal could reshape alliances within the opposition and influence emerging coalitions as parties step up preparations for the 2027 elections.
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