Against all odds, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the southern region as party leaders gather in Abuja for the party’s national convention.
Key figures at the convention include Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso and other stakeholders are expected to deliberate on major party decisions ahead of the next general election.
The convention is also expected to ratify recent resolutions taken by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
The NDC has in recent weeks recorded a wave of defections from rival political parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Earlier this week, 17 members of the House of Representatives dumped the ADC for the NDC during plenary proceedings at the National Assembly.
Among those who switched allegiance are Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande and Munachim Umezuruike.
Others include Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene, Murphy Omoruyi and Abdulhakeem Ado.
The lawmakers’ defection followed the formal entry of Obi and Kwankwaso into the NDC from the ADC two days earlier.
Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, and Kwankwaso, who previously contested under the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), were presented with NDC membership cards after a closed-door meeting with party leaders on Sunday.
The duo was received into the party by former Bayelsa State Governor and NDC national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, amid cheers from supporters at the party secretariat.
Obi had attributed his exit from the ADC to what he described as a deteriorating political atmosphere characterised by internal disputes, outside interference and hostility within party ranks.
He said Nigeria’s political environment had become increasingly toxic, adding that intimidation, insecurity and intense scrutiny now define the system.
He lamented that institutions established to safeguard citizens often work against them, while people committed to genuine public service continue to face pressure both in public and private life.
