The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria, a move political observers believe could strengthen the chances of former Anambra State governor Peter Obi ahead of the next general election.
The decision was announced during the party’s national convention held in Abuja on Saturday.
Confirming the development, the party shared a message on its official X account stating that the NDC presidential ticket had been zoned to the South.
Top Political Figures Attend NDC Convention
The convention attracted several prominent political figures, including Peter Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
According to documents made available to journalists, key discussions at the gathering included:
- Zoning arrangements for the 2027 elections
- Ratification of amendments to the party constitution
- Election of new national executives
The development marks another major step in the growing political realignment ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
Wave of Defections Strengthens NDC
The NDC has recently witnessed a surge in defections from other political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Earlier in the week, 17 members of the House of Representatives officially defected from the ADC to the NDC during plenary.
Among the lawmakers who joined the party are:
- Yusuf Datti
- Uchenna Okonkwo
- Thaddeus Attah
- Lilian Orogbu
- Afam Ogene
- Jesse Onuakalusi
- Peter Aniekwe
- Abdulhakeem Ado
- and several others.
The defections came shortly after Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso formally joined the NDC following a closed-door meeting with party leaders.
Why Obi Left ADC
Peter Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, had earlier moved to the ADC after leaving Labour in late 2025.
However, Obi reportedly cited internal conflicts, external interference and increasing tension within party structures as reasons for his departure from the ADC.
He and Kwankwaso were later welcomed into the NDC by former Bayelsa State governor Seriake Dickson, who currently serves as a leading figure within the party.
What the Southern Zoning Means
Political analysts believe the zoning decision could significantly shape the dynamics of the 2027 election.
With the presidential ticket reserved for Southern candidates, attention is expected to focus heavily on Peter Obi and other influential politicians from the region who may seek the party’s nomination.
The move is also being interpreted as an attempt by the NDC to strengthen its appeal in Southern Nigeria while building a broader national coalition ahead of the polls
- Vanguard