The Middle Belt chapter of the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) has called on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria, stressing the need for a strong and electable opposition capable of winning the next general election.
This position was made public by COPDEM National Chairman, Prince Rwang Pam Jr, during a press briefing held on March 24, 2026, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat in Jos.
The resolution followed deliberations at the COPDEM-ADC Strategy Conference which took place in Jos, themed “Nigeria at a Crossroads: Building the Winning Coalition for 2027.” The gathering brought together key political stakeholders focused on shaping a viable opposition strategy ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Pam emphasized that zoning the presidential ticket to the South is critical to fostering fairness, inclusion, and national balance—elements he described as essential to Nigeria’s democratic stability and electoral success.
According to the conference communiqué, participants underscored that winning national elections in Nigeria requires broad-based coalitions that cut across regional and political divides. In this context, the Middle Belt was described as a crucial electoral bridge with the capacity to influence national outcomes.
The conference further highlighted the region’s growing political consciousness, noting that the Middle Belt has transitioned from a passive participant to a strategic and decisive force in Nigeria’s political landscape. Delegates affirmed that the region is not only interested in contesting power but also in shaping the direction of coalition-building ahead of 2027.
In its declaration, the conference stated that the Middle Belt would “lead from the centre” in forging a coalition that is fair, inclusive, and capable of securing electoral victory. It also asserted that the region will play a defining role in determining the outcome of the 2027 general elections.
The communiqué issued at the end of the conference reiterated the urgent need to build a credible governing alternative that can restore national stability, drive economic growth, and rebuild public trust in leadership.
Key resolutions from the meeting included a commitment to sustained political engagement as a unified bloc, with a strong emphasis on fairness, inclusion, and national unity. The conference also resolved to prioritise coalition-building over sectional interests in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
Crucially, the gathering concluded that for the ADC to present a balanced and competitive national platform, its presidential ticket should be zoned to Southern Nigeria—seen as a strategic move to strengthen the party’s chances in the forthcoming polls.
and then