The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has adopted an NDC zoning formula that places its 2027 presidential ticket in Southern Nigeria for a single four-year term, while reserving the vice-presidential slot for the North. The decision, reached during the party’s maiden National Convention in Abuja, is widely seen as strengthening the political prospects of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, ahead of the 2027 general election.
The convention, held at the Los Angeles Event Centre in Abuja, adopted resolutions aimed at establishing a regional power-sharing arrangement within the party. Delegates endorsed the NDC zoning formula after a motion moved by the member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Victor Ogene. The arrangement stipulates that the presidency would rotate to Southern Nigeria in 2027 before returning to the North in 2031.
Party officials said the decision was intended to promote fairness, inclusiveness, and national balance amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the next election cycle. The resolution also restricted the presidential tenure under the arrangement to a single four-year term.
Speaking during the convention, Ogene described the zoning arrangement as “a moral statement on national cohesion” designed to reduce tensions around Nigeria’s long-running rotational power debate. Delegates unanimously backed the proposal, reinforcing the party’s commitment to the NDC zoning formula as part of its long-term political structure.
Peter Obi told delegates that the movement was focused on rebuilding governance and restoring public trust in democratic institutions. He said, “We are not changing political platforms for transactional reasons. We are making a principled decision to find a platform that gives us the opportunity to build a new Nigeria that is possible.” Obi also warned against what he described as attempts to weaken opposition politics in the country.
Rabiu Kwankwaso backed the zoning arrangement, describing it as a step toward “national healing and inclusion.” He said the country required “visionary alliances” capable of repositioning Nigeria for growth and stability. Political observers say the NDC zoning formula has intensified speculation that Obi could emerge as the party’s presidential candidate, with Kwankwaso potentially positioned for the vice-presidential slot.
Also addressing delegates, former Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, accused the ruling party of shrinking democratic space and intimidating opposition platforms. He stated that the party had overcome legal and administrative hurdles before securing registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission earlier this year.
The adoption of the NDC zoning formula is expected to shape coalition talks and opposition strategies ahead of the 2027 elections. Analysts say the arrangement could influence alignments among political blocs seeking broader national appeal through regional balance. The development also reflects continuing debates around power rotation, federal inclusion, and opposition unity within Nigeria’s political system.
