Isaac Samuel
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has zoned its presidential ticket for the 2027 general election to Southern Nigeria, a move seen as clearing the path for former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and other southern aspirants to contest on the party’s platform.
The decision was taken on Saturday at the maiden national convention of the party held in Abuja.
A motion seeking the zoning of the presidential ticket to the South for a single four-year term was moved by the member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency 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 single four-year tenure, the presidential ticket would automatically be zoned to the North.
The development is expected to strengthen the chances of Obi and other southern politicians interested in contesting the presidency under the platform of the NDC.
The party confirmed the decision in a post on its official X handle, stating: “NDC Presidential ticket is zoned to the South!!”
Among prominent figures at the convention were Obi and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
According to the convention agenda obtained by journalists, key issues discussed included zoning arrangements, ratification of the amended party constitution and the election of national executives.
The NDC has in recent weeks witnessed an influx of politicians from other parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (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.
The lawmakers 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.
The defections came barely two days after Obi and Kwankwaso formally joined the NDC from the ADC.
Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and Kwankwaso, former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), were presented with their NDC membership cards on Sunday following a closed-door meeting with party leaders.
They were received into the party by former Bayelsa State Governor and NDC national leader, Seriake Dickson.
Obi had attributed his exit from the ADC to worsening internal crises, external interference and growing hostility within the party structure, months after joining the party in December 2025 following his resignation from the Labour Party.
