BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
Stakeholders of the Obidient Movement and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kaduna South Senatorial District have called on the leadership of the party to zone its governorship ticket for the 2027 election to Southern Kaduna, citing the region’s support for the movement during the 2023 general elections.
The stakeholders made the call during a press conference held in Kaduna on Tuesday, where they argued that the move would promote political equity, inclusion and reward loyalty within the party.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the coordinator of the Obidient Movement and NDC stakeholders in Southern Kaduna, Pastor Isaac Ango Makama, said the demand was rooted in the principles of fairness and justice.
Makama noted that Southern Kaduna emerged as one of the strongest support bases for the Obidient Movement in the 2023 general elections, with voters in the area overwhelmingly backing the platform’s message of accountability, competence, national unity and political change.
According to him, the voting pattern reflected the aspirations of the people for good governance, fairness and inclusive leadership.
He said as the NDC seeks to position itself as a credible alternative political platform in Kaduna State, it should recognise the commitment demonstrated by Southern Kaduna voters during the last election cycle.
The stakeholders maintained that zoning the governorship ticket to Kaduna South Senatorial District would not merely be a political concession but an acknowledgement of the sacrifices and democratic commitment of the people of the area.
They added that Southern Kaduna has a pool of qualified men and women with the experience, competence and vision required to govern Kaduna State effectively.
The group also pointed to zoning arrangements reportedly adopted by other political parties, noting that while the APC and PDP have favoured candidates from Kaduna Central Senatorial District, the ADC has zoned its governorship ticket to Kaduna North Senatorial District.
According to them, the development presents a strategic opportunity for the NDC to broaden its electoral appeal and strengthen its chances in the 2027 governorship election by presenting a candidate from Southern Kaduna.
“We are convinced that presenting a governorship candidate from Southern Kaduna will inspire confidence among voters seeking a departure from the old political order and strengthen the party’s electoral prospects,” the stakeholders stated.
They stressed that the demand was peaceful, democratic and aimed at promoting unity within the party rather than creating division among the state’s diverse political and ethnic constituencies.
The stakeholders called on the national and state leadership of the NDC, as well as youth groups, women leaders and other stakeholders, to support the zoning of the party’s governorship ticket to Southern Kaduna ahead of the 2027 election.
They added that the future of any political party depends on its willingness to reward loyalty, recognise sacrifice and embrace inclusion.
