Buba Galadima says NDC has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a move seen as boosting Peter Obi’s chances ahead of the election
Buba Galadima, a prominent political associate of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on Monday, May 5, 2026, confirmed that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the southern region, a decision expected to reshape early election calculations.
Also read: Obi, Kwankwaso’s NDC Move Sparks Mixed Northern Reactions
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Galadima stated that the party will submit its membership register to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on May 5 or 6, describing it as a key milestone in its electoral preparations.
According to him, the party is now fully positioned for the next phase of political activity once the documentation process is completed.
Galadima further disclosed that the NDC presidential zoning decision had already been concluded in favour of the South, a development he described as final and non-negotiable within the party structure.
The NDC presidential zoning 2027 arrangement is widely viewed as a significant advantage for former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who hails from the South-East region.
Obi is considered one of the leading figures expected to benefit from the zoning structure, especially as discussions around power rotation and regional balance continue to shape political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Galadima also clarified that the party intends to conduct competitive primaries rather than adopt a consensus candidate, signalling an open contest within the southern bloc.
The development follows the recent political movement of both Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso into the NDC, after their exit from the African Democratic Congress amid internal disputes.
Obi had previously emphasised the importance of zoning in national politics, arguing that equitable power rotation remains essential for stability and trust among political actors.
With the new zoning arrangement, analysts say the NDC may be positioning itself as a stronger opposition platform, particularly in attracting southern political support.
Also read: Obi, Kwankwaso’s NDC Move Sparks Mixed Northern Reactions
The party’s decision is expected to influence early campaign dynamics as preparations intensify for what is shaping up to be a highly competitive 2027 presidential race.
