Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has officially zoned its presidential ticket for the 2027 general election to Southern Nigeria as the party continues to witness major political realignments ahead of the next election cycle.
The decision emerged during the party’s ongoing national convention in Abuja, where prominent political figures including Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and other party leaders are currently holding strategic meetings.
The convention is expected to ratify several decisions recently taken by the National Executive Committee of the party.
According to the agenda made available to journalists, key issues slated for discussion include zoning arrangements, ratification of the amended party constitution, and the election of national executives to lead the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
The NDC has recently experienced a surge in membership following the defection of politicians from several opposition parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
On Tuesday, no fewer than 17 members of the House of Representatives formally defected from the ADC to the NDC during plenary proceedings at the National Assembly.
The lawmakers whose defections were announced on the floor of the House include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande, and Munachim Umezuruike.
Others are Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene, Murphy Omoruyi, and Abdulhakeem Ado.
The latest wave of defections came barely two days after Obi and Kwankwaso formally joined the NDC from the ADC.
Peter Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party platform, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party, were officially presented with NDC membership cards last Sunday.
The event took place shortly after a closed-door meeting with party leaders in Abuja and was attended by supporters and party stakeholders.
The two opposition leaders were formally welcomed into the party by Seriake Dickson, who currently serves as a national leader of the NDC.
Explaining his decision to leave the ADC, Obi cited growing political instability, persistent internal crises, external interference, and increasing hostility within party structures.
The former Anambra State governor described Nigeria’s political environment as increasingly toxic, noting that intimidation, insecurity, and sustained scrutiny have become common experiences for politicians and citizens alike.
He also lamented that institutions expected to protect citizens are increasingly being used against them, while individuals attempting to provide sincere public service continue to face mounting pressure both publicly and privately.
The zoning decision by the NDC is expected to shape internal party dynamics in the months ahead as political alignments intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
