NDC Zoning Plan Raises Obi’s 2027 Prospects

Fresh political alignments ahead of the 2027 general election gathered momentum on Saturday after former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, publicly endorsed the decision of the Nigeria Democratic Congress to zone its presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria.

Kwankwaso spoke during the party’s national convention in Abuja while addressing delegates, supporters and party stakeholders, describing the arrangement as part of the opposition coalition’s internal power-sharing formula.

“I support the decision to zone the presidential ticket to Southern so that the region can complete its eight years,” he said.

“This is in line with the zoning process and party agreement.”

He also appealed to supporters to participate in the party’s mobilisation efforts ahead of the next election cycle, urging Nigerians to register with the party.

“Please register now,” he said.

The endorsement came hours after the NDC formally adopted a resolution zoning its 2027 presidential ticket to the South for a single four-year term, a move expected to influence calculations within the opposition bloc.

The resolution was adopted during the convention following a motion moved by the lawmaker representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in Anambra State, Afam Victor Ogene.

Announcing the decision, the party’s National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, said the arrangement formed part of a broader political balancing strategy aimed at managing regional interests within the coalition.

According to Cleopas, the presidency would rotate back to Northern Nigeria after the completion of the South’s tenure.

“It will be the turn of the North in 2031,” he stated.

The convention also ratified the election of members of the party’s National Working Committee through its National Executive Committee, further consolidating the party’s organisational structure ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Political observers see the zoning arrangement as strengthening the prospects of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, and other southern aspirants expected to contest the party’s presidential primary.

The latest development comes amid widening political realignments across opposition parties as politicians intensify coalition talks and strategic defections ahead of 2027.

Earlier in the week, Obi and Kwankwaso formally joined the NDC in Abuja after leaving their former political platforms. During the event, both politicians urged party members to avoid internal disputes and focus on strengthening the coalition.

Obi, who was the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, said the decision to join the NDC was driven by the need for what he described as a stable political platform free from persistent internal crises.

The developments add another layer to the emerging opposition dynamics expected to shape the contest against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress in the lead-up to 2027.