The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, on Saturday in Abuja announced that its presidential ticket for the 2027 general election has been reserved for candidates from Southern Nigeria, a decision that may improve the chances of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi within the party.
The decision was made during the party’s national convention attended by party officials, delegates and political leaders from different parts of the country. The gathering also had in attendance former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and other leading figures who recently joined the party ahead of preparations for the next general election.
Party members at the convention discussed issues relating to zoning arrangements, amendments to the party constitution and the election of national officers expected to lead the NDC into the 2027 polls. The announcement later gained attention across political circles as many supporters believe Obi may now emerge as one of the leading contenders for the party’s presidential ticket.
In recent weeks, the NDC has continued to receive politicians from other opposition parties, especially the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The movement into the party increased after several lawmakers in the House of Representatives dumped the ADC and joined the NDC during plenary earlier this week.
Among those who defected were Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande and Munachim Umezuruike.
Others included Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene, Murphy Omoruyi and Abdulhakeem Ado.
The defections came shortly after Obi and Kwankwaso formally became members of the NDC following a private meeting with party leaders in Abuja. The two politicians were presented with membership cards by former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, who is regarded as one of the leading figures in the party.
Obi had earlier explained that internal disputes, outside interference and growing tension within the ADC influenced his decision to leave the party after joining it in late 2025 following his exit from the Labour Party.