NDC Convention: Obi’s 2027 Hopes Get Boost as Kwankwaso Backs Southern Presidency

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The maiden national convention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress on Saturday strengthened the 2027 presidential prospects of former Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi, after former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, openly endorsed the party’s decision to zone its presidential ticket to the South.

The convention, held in Abuja, drew prominent opposition politicians, delegates and supporters from across the country as the emerging coalition formally adopted a rotational arrangement that would reserve the party’s 2027 presidential ticket for the South and the 2031 slot for the North.

The development immediately fuelled speculation within political circles that Obi could become a leading beneficiary of the zoning arrangement as consultations ahead of the next general election gather momentum.

Kwankwaso, while addressing delegates, described the zoning decision as a necessary step toward national healing, unity and political fairness.

“It is with a great sense of unity and solidarity that, as a loyal party member, I support the decision to zone the presidential ticket of the NDC to the South, so that it allows the region to complete its turn in producing national leadership,” he said.

“This represents a true opportunity for national healing.”

The former Kano governor said Nigeria was currently facing deep economic and security challenges caused by poor leadership and governance failures.

According to him, millions of Nigerians had been displaced by insecurity while poverty and unemployment continued to worsen across the country.

“We are witnessing a sharp decline in the quality of life. Insecurity has created widows and orphans across the land,” Kwankwaso stated.

He, however, argued that broad political alliances had historically helped Nigeria navigate difficult periods, citing past coalitions involving nationalist leaders such as Nnamdi Azikiwe and Aminu Kano.

The convention also featured strong remarks from Obi, who declared that the opposition coalition was determined to resist any attempt to weaken Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.

Obi said the country could not afford to drift into a one-party state, insisting that Nigerians deserved credible elections and accountable leadership.

“We cannot have one party in Nigeria. Nigeria must have democracy,” Obi declared to loud applause from delegates.

The former Anambra governor lamented the nation’s worsening insecurity, unemployment and economic hardship, arguing that Nigeria’s challenges were rooted in bad governance rather than lack of resources.

“Nigeria is not poor. Nigeria was looted into poverty, and we are coming to reverse that situation,” he said.

SeeObi also dismissed claims that opposition leaders joining the coalition were motivated by personal political interests.

“We are not changing parties for transactions. We are here because we want to build a new Nigeria that is possible,” he added.

Delivering the keynote address, the party’s national leader and former Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, described the convention as a major turning point in Nigeria’s democratic history.

Dickson said the NDC was founded to protect democratic values, strengthen opposition politics and offer Nigerians a credible alternative platform.

“We want a balanced and stable Nigeria. We do not want a Nigeria of divisions and grievances,” he said.

He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and the judiciary to guarantee free and fair elections in 2027.

Delegates at the convention ratified the party’s National Working Committee and approved amendments to sections of the party constitution aimed at strengthening internal democracy and party structure.

The event ended with chants of “A New Nigeria Is Possible” from supporters as opposition leaders vowed to intensify mobilisation efforts across the country ahead of the next general election.