From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria for a single four-year term, a major decision that clears the way for former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and other southern aspirants to contest for the party’s presidential ticket.
The resolution was adopted at the maiden National Convention of the party, currently being held in Abuja.
The motion was moved by the member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State in the House of Representatives, Afam Victor Ogene, and was unanimously adopted by delegates at the convention.
Delegates also resolved that after the completion of the proposed single four-year tenure by a southern candidate, the party’s presidential ticket would automatically return to Northern Nigeria.
The decision formed part of broader deliberations at the convention, which is also considering the ratification of amendments to the party’s constitution, zoning arrangements, and the election of national executives.
The convention comes amid growing political realignments within the opposition camp and follows the recent entry of several high-profile politicians into the NDC.
Among those attending the convention are Obi and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, both of whom recently joined the party after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Obi and Kwankwaso formally joined the NDC on Sunday after a closed-door meeting with party leaders in Abuja, where they were presented with membership cards amid cheers from supporters.
The two politicians were received into the party by former Bayelsa State Governor and NDC national leader, Seriake Dickson.
The development comes as the NDC continues to witness an influx of defectors from other opposition parties, particularly the ADC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
On Tuesday, 17 members of the House of Representatives defected from the ADC to the NDC during plenary at the National Assembly.
The lawmakers include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande, Munachim Umezuruike, Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene, Murphy Omoruyi, and Abdulhakeem Ado.
