The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria, a move widely seen as strengthening the chances of former Anambra State governor Peter Obi emerging as the party’s presidential candidate.
The decision was announced on Saturday during the party’s national convention held in Abuja. The party also confirmed the development in a post shared on its official X handle.
Top party leaders attended the convention, including Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as discussions focused on zoning arrangements, constitutional amendments, and the election of national executives.
The NDC has recently witnessed a wave of defections from other political 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, adding to the party’s growing political influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
The defections came shortly after Obi and Kwankwaso formally joined the NDC from the ADC. The two politicians received their membership cards after a closed-door meeting with party leaders.
They were officially welcomed into the party by former Bayelsa State governor and NDC national leader Seriake Dickson.
Obi had reportedly cited worsening internal crises and increasing hostility within party structures as reasons for leaving the ADC.
