(DDM) – The Diaspora Network of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on party leaders to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria, with a strong preference for the South-East region.
The demand was made by the ADC Diaspora Network covering the Middle East and Asia during its Executive Council meeting.
In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Anefu Ngbede Emmanuel, the group said zoning the ticket to the South would promote equity, justice, and national unity.
The group argued that such a decision would align with Nigeria’s informal power rotation principle aimed at balancing political representation.
It further stated that since the current president is from the South, retaining the ticket in the region would be both fair and politically strategic.
According to the diaspora body, zoning the ticket specifically to the South-East would strengthen the party’s electoral prospects.
It noted that such a move could boost support across the South-East, South-South, and parts of the South-West.
The group also pointed to what it described as increasing acceptance of the ADC in the South-East region.
It cited recent defections of some National Assembly members from the region into the party as evidence of growing momentum.
The network maintained that zoning the ticket to the South-East would help consolidate these gains ahead of the 2027 elections.
It also argued that allowing the South-East to produce the party’s presidential candidate would address longstanding concerns about political imbalance.
According to the group, other regions in Southern Nigeria have had opportunities to produce presidents in the past.
The statement proposed that the South-East be given the chance to present a candidate through either a consensus arrangement or a direct primary.
It emphasised that the selection process should be transparent and inclusive, involving party members both within Nigeria and in the diaspora.
The group further stressed the importance of presenting a credible candidate with integrity, competence, and a strong vision for governance.
It stated that Nigeria requires leadership capable of driving national transformation and restoring public confidence in governance.
Political observers say the call reflects ongoing debates within opposition parties on zoning and electoral strategy ahead of 2027.
The ADC leadership is yet to formally respond to the proposal, but the development adds to growing pressure for clarity on its presidential ticket ahead of the election cycle.
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