Peter Obi Urges ADC To Zone 2027 Presidential Ticket To South, Emphasises Unity.
Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has called on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Nigeria’s southern region, stressing the importance of equity, fairness, and national cohesion. Speaking through his representative, Dr Tanko Yunusa, at the 2nd Annual Colloquium in honour of Associate Professor Abdulmumin Yinka Ajia in Ilorin, Obi argued that allowing the South to complete its tenure would promote unity across the country.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, made the remarks amid growing momentum within an opposition coalition, which recently adopted the ADC as its platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election. The coalition, reportedly led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, includes prominent figures such as former Senate President David Mark and former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola. However, tensions have surfaced as multiple coalition members, including Obi, Atiku, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, have expressed interest in securing the ADC’s presidential ticket.
“Why should we have a northerner again when we can easily allow the South to complete their tenure to promote unity and cohesiveness?” Obi questioned, as relayed by Dr Yunusa. He urged the coalition to avoid repeating past political mistakes, referencing the annulled 1993 election of Moshood Abiola. Obi warned that failing to zone the ticket to the South could undermine national unity and alienate southern voters.
Obi also reaffirmed his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, whether or not he secures the ADC coalition’s ticket. “Obi has already stated that he will contest in 2027, whether we get the coalition ticket or not. So, we are not even contemplating whether or not he will run,” Yunusa said, adding that the platform for Obi’s candidacy would be revealed in due course. The former governor expressed confidence in his ability to transform Nigeria, describing himself as a capable and committed leader.
The call for zoning comes as the ADC coalition navigates internal dynamics, with some analysts suggesting that Atiku’s reported interest in the ticket could complicate matters. Obi’s supporters, particularly the Obidient Movement, have firmly rejected suggestions that he accept a vice-presidential role, insisting he remains the coalition’s strongest candidate. “Peter Obi is not a bargaining chip. He must remain the presidential flagbearer,” said Abubakar Yawale, spokesperson for the Sokoto chapter of the Obidient Movement.
Meanwhile, the ADC’s interim leadership, led by David Mark, has emphasised the party’s commitment to a transparent primary process to select its 2027 candidate. Mallam Salihu Lukman, a party chieftain, reiterated that no aspirant, including Obi or Atiku, would receive preferential treatment. “Whoever will be the candidate of the ADC must win the primary,” Lukman stated, underscoring the party’s focus on intra-party democracy.
Obi’s push for zoning reflects Nigeria’s long-standing political tradition of rotating power between the North and South to foster national unity. After eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari’s northern leadership, followed by Tinubu’s southern presidency, many southern stakeholders argue that the South should complete its term before power returns to the North. Obi’s remarks have sparked widespread discussion, with supporters praising his commitment to fairness and critics warning of potential rifts within the coalition.
As the 2027 election approaches, Obi’s insistence on zoning the ADC ticket to the South underscores his broader vision for a united Nigeria. Whether he secures the coalition’s backing or pursues an independent path, his determination to contest the presidency signals a fierce battle ahead in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
