…as Obi-Kwankwaso ticket looks clear
Nigeria Democratic Congress, (NDC) has said that it’s decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria for a single four-year term and the vice presidential slot to the Northern Nigeria is a moral statement on national cohesion, intended to reduce tensions surrounding the nation’s long-running power rotation debate.’
DrumAfricanews reports that the NDC yesterday zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria for a single four-year term and the vice presidential slot to the Northern Nigeria.
This was sequel to a motion moved by the member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State in the National Assembly, Victor Ogene, a well-known Peter Obi’s loyalist.
DrumAfricanews also reports that the resolution of the party was made at its maiden National Convention held at Los Angeles Event Centre, Abuja.
Ogene while moving the motion explained that the zoning arrangement reflected the party’s commitment to justice, inclusiveness and national stability.
“In recognition of our country’s diversity and the need for balance, the party has resolved that the presidency shall rotate to the South in 2027 for a single term and subsequently return to the North in 2031.
“The decision was more than a political arrangement. It is a moral statement on national cohesion, intended to reduce tensions surrounding the nation’s long-running power rotation debate.’’
Political analysts believe that the recent development has cleared the way for a former governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi and his “of recent bossom friend”, Rabiu Kwankwaso to show their strength for President and Vice President.
DrumAfricanews also reports that one of the most sacrosanct part of the agreement is that after a four-year single term, the presidential ticket would be automatically zoned to the North, where no southern is expected to challenge.
Delegates at the convention unanimously endorsed the proposal that the NDC presidential ticket should remain in the South for only one term of four years beginning from 2027, after which it would automatically return to the North in 2031.
The zoning arrangement was designed to promote equity, national balance and political inclusion, while also giving both regions a clear sense of participation in the party’s long-term power-sharing formula.
In his remarks, Obi said the movement is determined to rescue Nigeria from poverty, insecurity and what he described as leadership failure.
His words: “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, who warned against what he described as attempts to weaken opposition politics in the country, said Nigeria must not slide into a one-party state.
He said: “Today, in Nigeria, beneficiaries of democracy are becoming agents of the destruction of democracy.
“We must insist that Nigeria cannot become a one-party state. Nigeria must remain a democracy, and we are determined that in 2027 there will be free, fair and credible elections.
“Nigeria is not a poor country. It is a country rooted in poverty by poor leadership and governance. NDC would pursue policies aimed at transforming Nigeria from a consumption-based economy to a production-driven economy while restoring national security and public trust in governance.
“We want a Nigeria where citizens are safe, whether in Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Benue, Rivers or anywhere else in the country,” Obi added.
Also speaking, the 2023 presidential candidate of New Nigeria Peoples Party, (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, who supported the zoning arrangement, described it as a courageous step towards national healing and inclusion.
He added that Nigeria urgently needs visionary alliances capable of repositioning the country for growth and stability.
The leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement said: “I support the decision to zone the presidential ticket of the NDC to the South in the interest of fairness, equity and national inclusion. This presents a true opportunity for national healing and genuine nation-building.”
Kwankwaso noted that Nigeria is passing through one of its most difficult periods due to poor governance, insecurity and economic decline.
“There has been a sharp decline in the quality of governance. Insecurity has created widows and orphans across the country. Millions have been displaced from their homes while investments are fleeing,’’ he added.
On his part, the National Leader of NDC and former Bayelsa State governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, said the ruling party is intimidating opposition parties and shrinking democratic space. He vowed that the party cannot be threatened or intimidated.
Dickson said: “The Nigerian opposition landscape is heavily compromised, intimidated and constricted. This party had endured years of legal and administrative hurdles before eventually securing registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) earlier this year. The Independent National Electoral Commission complied and issued us a certificate of registration in February this year.
“Contrary to propaganda, there is no appeal in any court against that decision, and INEC has duly registered our party. In national interest and in line with the principles upon which the NDC was established, we have taken a historic resolution on zoning.”
