Breaking: Major ADC Stakeholders Urge Party To Zone Presidential Ticket to Southern Nigeria

Leaders, political stakeholders, and civil society actors convened in Abuja today at the COPDEM National Executive Council Meeting and Strategy Conference with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), calling for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket to be zoned to Southern Nigeria.

The conference, themed “From Opposition to Government: Building the Winning Coalition for Nigeria 2027,” examined strategies for a credible, nationally accepted governing coalition capable of restoring public trust and delivering competent leadership. Delegates highlighted Nigeria’s pressing challenges, including economic strain, insecurity, and declining confidence in political leadership, emphasizing the need for a unifying, reform-oriented leadership.

Participants stressed that Nigeria’s widely respected North–South leadership rotation principle has historically contributed to political stability and balance. Zoning the ADC presidential ticket to the South is seen as crucial for mobilizing support across key regions, particularly in the Middle Belt and Southern Nigeria, and for building a winning coalition for 2027.

The conference also underscored the importance of strengthening the party’s internal structures, promoting inclusivity, and anchoring the party’s national message on fairness, unity, and equity.

The meeting concluded with a call for unity among democratic forces committed to national renewal and the emergence of a credible governing alternative for all Nigerians.

Issued in Abuja – 17 March 2026

[03-17, 4:24 p.m.] Daniel Elombah: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

*Major ADC Stakeholders Urge ADC to Zone Presidential Ticket to Southern Nigeria*

MEDIA COMMUNIQUÉ

Issued at the End of the COPDEM NEC Meeting and Strategy Conference with members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)

Abuja – Tuesday, 17 March 2026

Leaders, political stakeholders, civil society actors, and democratic reform advocates convened in Abuja on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, for the COPDEM National Executive Council Meeting and Strategy Conference with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The conference was held under the theme:

“From Opposition to Government: Building the Winning Coalition for Nigeria 2027.”

Participants engaged in extensive deliberations on Nigeria’s political trajectory and the urgent need to build a credible governing alternative capable of restoring public confidence in leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The conference examined key strategic pillars for a successful national campaign, including electoral mathematics, national messaging, candidate selection strategy, and institutional reforms within the party structure. Delegates noted that Nigeria is currently facing severe economic strain, worsening insecurity, and declining public trust in political leadership—challenges that require a new leadership direction grounded in competence, credibility, national unity, and inclusive governance.

Key Deliberations

Electoral Mathematics

Delegates agreed that building a winning national coalition requires careful understanding of Nigeria’s electoral realities. A successful presidential campaign must mobilize broad support across regions and rekindle the political energy of key voting blocs, particularly in the Middle Belt and Southern regions, where reform-oriented voters are seeking credible leadership alternatives.

Messaging and National Narrative

The conference emphasized that Nigeria’s political future must be anchored on a message appealing to shared values—fairness, unity, inclusion, and justice among all regions. Participants highlighted that the principle of zoning and balanced leadership has historically served as a stabilizing mechanism in Nigeria’s political culture.

Candidate Selection Strategy

Delegates noted that Nigeria’s democratic experience since 1999 has been shaped by the widely accepted North–South leadership rotation principle, which contributes to political balance. They observed that no major political party has won a presidential election while openly disregarding regional balance expectations. Zoning principles are widely respected at all levels of executive offices, from local councils to governorships.

Party Structure and Institutional Reform

Participants agreed that for the ADC to transition successfully from opposition to government, it must strengthen internal structures, deepen internal democracy, and promote national inclusion within its leadership. Leadership decisions must consistently reflect fairness, representation, and national balance.

Resolution

After extensive consultations, the conference adopted the following resolution regarding the 2027 presidential election:

               •             The ADC’s presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections should be zoned to Southern Nigeria.

               •               This recommendation aligns with the widely accepted tradition of North–South leadership rotation, ensuring balance and stability within the federation.

               •               Zoning the presidential ticket to the South will strengthen the party’s ability to mobilize support across key electoral regions and consolidate a winning national coalition.

               •             The conference emphasized that a party seeking to represent all Nigerians must uphold the principles of equity, fairness, and inclusion in leadership selection.

Conclusion

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to building a disciplined, reform-driven political movement capable of restoring public trust in governance and delivering competent leadership for Nigeria. The conference concluded with a call for unity among democratic forces dedicated to national renewal and the emergence of a credible governing alternative for the Nigerian people.

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