The National Democratic Coalition (NDC) has officially zoned its presidential ticket for the 2027 general election to the Southern region, declaring that the position will be occupied for a single four-year term before rotating to the North in 2031.
The decision was announced on Saturday during the party’s National Convention, where party leaders and delegates endorsed a power-sharing arrangement aimed at promoting equity, national balance, and internal unity ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Under the arrangement, the South will produce the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election, while the North is expected to take over the ticket in 2031.
Party officials described the move as part of efforts to strengthen inclusiveness and maintain stability within the party’s structure.
Speaking at the convention, top NDC stakeholders said the zoning formula reflects the party’s commitment to fairness, justice, and national cohesion in line with Nigeria’s diverse political realities.
According to the leadership of the party, the decision followed extensive consultations with critical stakeholders across the six geopolitical zones.
The announcement was greeted with applause by delegates at the convention venue, as supporters hailed the arrangement as a strategic step toward preventing internal crisis and regional domination.
Political observers believe the decision may significantly shape early alignments and succession battles within the party ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
Analysts also noted that the declaration could trigger fresh political calculations among aspirants from both the Northern and Southern regions seeking to position themselves within the party’s future leadership framework.
The convention also featured calls for unity among party members, with leaders urging aggrieved factions to work together in preparation for future elections.
Some delegates described the zoning arrangement as a “sacrifice for stability,” insisting that rotational leadership remains one of the most effective tools for managing Nigeria’s sensitive ethnic and regional political dynamics.
Meanwhile, political watchers say the NDC’s decision may intensify debates around zoning and power rotation across other political parties as preparations for the 2027 elections gradually gather momentum.
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