By Wellington Jopelo
Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi has received a major political boost after the Nigeria Democratic Congressofficially zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria.
The decision, reached during the party’s national convention in Abuja, is already being viewed as a move that strongly favours Obi, who recently joined the party alongside former Kano governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Party delegates reportedly backed the zoning arrangement as part of efforts to promote balance and strengthen unity ahead of the next general election.
The development immediately changed the political atmosphere within opposition circles, especially as Obi has consistently supported power rotation between the North and South.
Although no official candidate has been announced yet, insiders believe the decision places the former Labour Party presidential candidate in a strong early position ahead of the party’s primaries.
The move also appears to settle growing debates within the coalition over where the party’s presidential ticket should go before preparations for 2027 fully begin.
Political observers say the zoning arrangement may help the NDC avoid internal divisions that have affected several opposition parties in recent months.
The convention itself attracted massive crowds and caused heavy traffic around Abuja’s city centre as supporters and delegates gathered for the event.
Meanwhile, allies of Obi have welcomed the development, describing it as a positive step toward building a stronger opposition platform capable of challenging the ruling party in the next election cycle.
Analysts also believe the latest decision could increase pressure on other southern political figures considering presidential ambitions under different platforms.
As political alignments continue to shift ahead of 2027, attention is now focused on whether Obi will formally emerge as the leading face of the NDC’s presidential project.