The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a move seen by political analysts as a strategic “green light” for the candidacy of Peter Obi.
The decision was reached during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Friday, where leaders argued that equity and justice necessitated the rotation of power to the South.
While the party did not explicitly name Obi as its sole candidate, the zoning alignment heavily favors the former Anambra State governor, who has seen a surge of support from various opposition factions following his departure from the Labour Party.
According to the convention agenda made available to journalists, issues slated for discussion include zoning, ratification of the amended party constitution and the election of national executives.
The party has recently witnessed an influx of politicians defecting from other political parties, including the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
On Tuesday, 17 members of the House of Representatives defected from the ADC to the NDC during plenary.
The lawmakers 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 defections came two days after Obi and Kwankwaso formally joined the NDC from the ADC.
Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and Kwankwaso, former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party, received their NDC membership cards on Sunday after a closed-door meeting with party leaders.
They were received into the party by former Bayelsa State Governor and NDC national leader, Seriake Dickson.
Obi had cited worsening internal crises, external interference and increasing hostility within party structures as reasons for leaving the ADC, which he joined in December 2025 after exiting the Labour Party.
