By Naomi Sharang
Abuja, May 9, 2026
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has zoned its presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections to the southern part of the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the party announced the decision at its First National Convention held in Abuja on Saturday.
This is as its National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, has said that the party is positioning itself to provide credible leadership and responsible opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the party’s inaugural national convention held on Saturday, Cleopas said the NDC was founded on the principles of justice, inclusion, accountability and national development.
The motion to zone the party’s presidential ticket to the South was moved by Rep. Afam Ogene, representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra and was adopted by the delegates.
He said the zoning arrangement was aimed at promoting equity, fairness and national unity within the party and the country at large.
According to him, the party believes that giving the South the opportunity to produce the next presidential candidate will strengthen inclusiveness and deepen democratic participation.
This decision has cleared the way for the former Gov. of Anambra, Mr. Peter Obi and other southern aspirants to proceed and purchase the presidential form of the party.
According to Senator Cleopas, the party’s convention marked a major milestone in the democratic journey of the party and its supporters across the country.
“Today we gather not merely to hold a convention, but to write a new chapter in the democratic history of our dear nation, Nigeria,” he said.
Cleopas noted that the party’s registration in Feb. came after years of struggle, sacrifice and persistence by members committed to democratic participation and political inclusion.
“For years, our leaders and members endured administrative bottlenecks, institutional delays and political frustrations, yet we refused to surrender,” he stated.
He described the eventual registration of the NDC as “a victory for constitutional democracy and the Nigerian people.”
The NDC chairman expressed concern over the current state of the nation, citing economic hardship, unemployment, inflation and insecurity as major challenges confronting citizens.
“Nigeria stands today at a very critical crossroads.
“Millions of Nigerians can no longer afford to provide for their families. Small businesses continue to collapse under severe economic pressures,” Cleopas said.
He also lamented worsening insecurity in rural communities, saying that many farmers were unable to return to their farms due to fear of attacks.
Cleopas maintained that opposition politics must focus on offering practical solutions rather than engaging in criticism alone.
“True opposition must provide ideas, direction, accountability and credible alternatives for national progress,” he said.
He added that the party remained committed to “issue-based politics, constructive engagement and people-oriented governance.”
The chairman further stated that the NDC would prioritise youth empowerment, women inclusion, institutional reforms and economic productivity if given the opportunity to lead.
“Our mission is clear; to promote governance founded on integrity, competence and inclusiveness,” he said.
Cleopas urged Nigerians, especially young people, not to lose faith in the democratic process.
“To our youths, I say your future matters, your voice matters and your participation matters. Do not abandon the democratic process,” he said.
The national chairman also called on party members and delegates to remain united and committed to internal democracy.
“Differences of opinion are natural in democratic organisations, but we must always rise above personal ambition for collective national progress,” he added.
Reaffirming the party’s vision, Cleopas said the NDC was determined to restore hope and rebuild trust in governance across the country.
“Together, we shall build a stronger party. Together, we shall build a better democracy. Together, we shall build a better Nigeria,” he said.
