The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has formally zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria and the vice‑presidential slot to the North, a move widely seen as boosting the chances of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso emerging as the party’s leading ticket. Delegates at the party’s maiden national convention in Abuja adopted a resolution restricting the presidential ticket to the South for a single four year term, after which power would rotate to the North in 2031.
The zoning motion, moved by Afam Victor Ogene, member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, was unanimously endorsed by delegates. Party leaders said the arrangement was designed to promote fairness, balance and internal stability while addressing long running agitations over power rotation between regions.
Former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso publicly backed the decision, telling delegates that zoning the 2027 ticket to the South would allow the region to “complete its eight years” before the presidency returns to the North. His endorsement has fuelled speculation that he is positioning himself as the leading northern contender for the vice‑presidential slot and a possible presidential run in 2031 under the same arrangement.
Analysts say the zoning formula significantly strengthens the hand of former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, who is now widely tipped to clinch the NDC presidential ticket ahead of other southern aspirants. With the party explicitly limiting its 2027 flag bearer to a single four year term, an Obi candidacy is increasingly being discussed in tandem with a long term understanding that could see Kwankwaso or another northern ally take over in 2031.
Reports from within the party indicate that the Obi–Kwankwaso partnership, first floated during their time in other platforms, is once again at the centre of opposition realignment talks. Commentators believe a South–North ticket built around their combined followership could make the NDC a serious challenger to the ruling party in 2027, especially if they successfully rally other opposition blocs.
The NDC’s National Executive Committee also used the convention to ratify members of its National Working Committee and adopt key constitutional amendments. Party leaders insist that the clear zoning roadmap and single‑term arrangement will help prevent succession crises and give Nigerians a credible alternative platform focused on power rotation, reforms and inclusive governance.
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