(DDM) – A socio-political group, Professionals for Good Governance and Social Justice (PGGSJ), has urged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria in the interest of equity, justice, and national unity.
DDM learns that the group made the call in a statement issued in Abuja and signed by its Secretary, Comrade I.O. Emmanuel, stressing that adherence to zoning remains critical for political stability.
The group warned that any attempt by the party to abandon the zoning principle could damage its credibility and weaken its chances in the 2027 general elections.
Emmanuel stated that Nigeria is currently at a crucial point where political leaders must take deliberate decisions capable of transforming the country from insecurity to safety and from economic stagnation to prosperity.
He explained that zoning, which is rooted in the Federal Character principle, has served as a stabilising mechanism in Nigeria’s democratic system since the return to civilian rule in 1999.
According to him, political parties that have ignored zoning arrangements in the past often faced internal crises and electoral setbacks.
He noted that the performance of political parties over time has been closely linked to their respect for zoning, adding that violations of the principle frequently result in division and loss of public trust.
The PGGSJ spokesperson cited the experience of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), arguing that its decline was partly caused by inconsistent adherence to zoning agreements.
He also referenced the 2023 general elections, claiming that decisions by key political actors that allegedly disregarded zoning contributed to internal dissatisfaction and weakened electoral outcomes.
Emmanuel described the current moment as decisive for the ADC, warning that as an emerging opposition force, the party must avoid repeating the mistakes of more established political parties.
He cautioned that ignoring zoning for short-term political gains could erode public confidence and destabilise the party’s internal structure.
The group insisted that Southern Nigeria deserves the presidential ticket in 2027, arguing that fairness and justice must guide political decisions.
He maintained that no region would fully support a process perceived as unjust, stressing that expecting the South to rally behind a ticket that ignores its turn would be unrealistic.
Emmanuel further dismissed claims that political structures are owned by individuals, stating that they are built through collective participation and shared national interest.
He emphasised that leadership requires courage and a willingness to make difficult but fair decisions, warning that throwing the ticket open without zoning could trigger internal instability within the party.
The group also pledged to mobilise support both within Nigeria and in the diaspora for a credible Southern candidate who emerges through a transparent and consensus-driven process.
Emmanuel expressed confidence that there are principled leaders within the ADC who would uphold fairness and ensure that the party presents a candidate that reflects unity and justice.
He concluded by urging the party’s leadership to act decisively, warning that failure to respect zoning could weaken its competitiveness against the ruling party in the 2027 elections.
The statement ended with a strong appeal, stressing that the time to uphold justice, fairness, and national cohesion is now.
