By Our Correspondent

National News – The Nigeria Democratic Congress has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria for a single four-year term, a move expected to strengthen the presidential ambition of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi.

The decision was reached on Saturday during the party’s National Convention in Abuja, where delegates adopted a motion supporting regional power rotation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The resolution was announced by Moses Cleopas, who explained that the arrangement was designed to balance political interests within the opposition coalition.

According to him, the presidency would return to the North in 2031 after the South completes a single four-year tenure.

The zoning decision is seen as a major political advantage for Obi and other southern aspirants preparing to contest under the NDC platform.

The move also follows the recent defection of Obi and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to the party as opposition leaders intensify efforts to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling APC in 2027.

Speaking at the convention, Kwankwaso backed the zoning formula, saying it reflected fairness and internal party agreements.

He warned that insecurity, poverty and unemployment had worsened under poor leadership, stressing that Nigeria needed a united opposition to reposition the country.

Obi also praised the NDC leadership for defending multi-party democracy and expressed confidence that the 2027 elections would be free and credible.

He highlighted rising poverty, insecurity and youth unemployment as major challenges facing Nigerians, adding that the coalition was focused on rebuilding the country rather than pursuing political transactions.

The convention attracted thousands of delegates and supporters, causing heavy traffic congestion around Ahmadu Bello Way and nearby roads in Abuja.

Security operatives were later deployed to manage the crowd and restore order around the venue.