By Nkechi Eze
The maiden national convention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) on Saturday significantly strengthened the 2027 presidential prospects of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, after former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, openly endorsed the party’s decision to zone its presidential ticket to the South.
The convention, held in Abuja, attracted prominent opposition figures, party delegates and supporters from across the country as the emerging coalition formally adopted a rotational arrangement reserving the party’s 2027 presidential ticket for the South and the 2031 slot for the North.
The development immediately triggered fresh political calculations within opposition circles, with analysts and party loyalists viewing Obi as a major beneficiary of the zoning arrangement ahead of the next general election.
Addressing delegates at the convention, Kwankwaso described the zoning formula as a necessary step toward national healing, unity and political equity.
“It is with a great sense of unity and solidarity that, as a loyal party member, I support the decision to zone the presidential ticket of the NDC to the South, so that it allows the region to complete its turn in producing national leadership,” he said.
“This represents a true opportunity for national healing.”
Kwankwaso stated that Nigeria was currently battling severe economic hardship and worsening insecurity caused by leadership failures and poor governance.
According to him, insecurity had displaced millions of citizens while unemployment and poverty continued to deepen across the country.
“We are witnessing a sharp decline in the quality of life. Insecurity has created widows and orphans across the land,” he stated.
The former Kano governor, however, argued that broad political coalitions had historically helped Nigeria overcome difficult national moments, citing alliances involving nationalist leaders such as Nnamdi Azikiwe and Aminu Kano.
The convention also featured strong remarks from Obi, who declared that the opposition coalition was determined to resist any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We cannot have one party in Nigeria. Nigeria must have democracy,” Obi declared to loud applause from delegates.
The former Anambra State governor lamented the country’s worsening insecurity, unemployment and economic hardship, insisting that Nigeria’s problems were rooted in bad governance rather than lack of resources.
“Nigeria is not poor. Nigeria was looted into poverty, and we are coming to reverse that situation,” he said.
Obi also dismissed suggestions that opposition leaders joining the coalition were motivated by personal political ambitions.
“We are not changing parties for transactions. We are here because we want to build a new Nigeria that is possible,” he added.
Delivering the keynote address, the party’s national leader and former Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, described the convention as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
Dickson said the NDC was established to defend democratic values, strengthen opposition politics and provide Nigerians with a credible political alternative.
“We want a balanced and stable Nigeria. We do not want a Nigeria of divisions and grievances,” he said.
He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and the judiciary to ensure credible, free and fair elections in 2027.
Delegates at the convention ratified the party’s National Working Committee and approved amendments to sections of the party constitution aimed at strengthening internal democracy and institutional structures within the party.
The convention ended with chants of “A New Nigeria Is Possible” as supporters and opposition leaders vowed to intensify nationwide mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general election.
