2027: Southern Presidency Awaits ADC, LP Leaders

Middle Belt Leaders and Labour Party Advocate for Southern Presidency in 2027

A significant political consensus is emerging within Nigeria’s opposition parties, with key leaders from the Middle Belt region and the Labour Party (LP) signaling a strong preference for a Southern presidential candidate in the upcoming 2027 general elections. This stance is rooted in principles of national balance, fairness, and inclusion, reflecting a strategic approach to coalition-building and power rotation.

Middle Belt’s Strategic Alliance for National Cohesion

Leaders from the Middle Belt within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have declared their intention not to field a presidential candidate in 2027. This resolution was formalized at the Middle-Belt Cognac ADC Strategy Conference, also known as the COPDEN/ADC Middle-Belt Strategy Conference, held in Jos, Plateau State. The conference, themed “Nigeria at Crossroads: Building the Green Coalition for 2027,” was jointly organized by the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEN) and the ADC.

Prince Pam Rwang, the group’s coordinator, articulated the decision as a deliberate strategy to foster national unity. The participants unanimously agreed that electoral victories in Nigeria are best achieved through broad-based coalitions rather than regional dominance. They emphasized the Middle Belt’s pivotal role as an electoral bridge between the North and the South.

Key takeaways from the conference included:

• Emphasis on Fairness and Rotational Leadership: Delegates strongly advocated for the principle of zoning and power rotation, noting its existing practice at various governmental levels across the nation. They asserted that this principle should be upheld at the presidential level.
• The Middle Belt as a Decisive Bloc: The region resolved to position itself as a conscious, strategic, and decisive political force that influences national outcomes through alliances, rather than engaging in sectional contestation.
• Zoning the Presidential Ticket to the South: The communiqué explicitly stated that the ADC’s presidential ticket should be zoned to Southern Nigeria, aligning with Nigeria’s established culture of balance and inclusion.
• Promoting Justice and Belonging: Stakeholders underscored that Nigerians respond favorably to political arrangements that champion justice, equity, and a sense of belonging for all regions.

Labour Party Formalizes Southern Presidential Ticket

Concurrently, the Labour Party (LP) has officially zoned its presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria, effectively precluding aspirants from the Northern region. Senator Esther Nenadi-Usman, Chairperson of the LP’s National Caretaker Committee, announced this decision in Abuja following a consultative meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Senator Nenadi-Usman clarified that this is a firm policy shift designed to provide clear direction for potential candidates ahead of the next general election. “We have one certain decision that we have taken. That is to say we will certainly not field any aspirant from Northern Nigeria. We have zoned the position to Southern Nigeria,” she stated. She further added, “So if any northerner comes now to want to contest elections, we certainly will not accept that.”

While confirming the regional preference, the LP national chairman stressed the party’s commitment to internal democracy, assuring that a specific individual would not be pre-selected. “As for who, I can’t tell you now because then it won’t be democratic anymore. When the aspirants come, whoever the people like and vote for during the primaries, then whoever it is that wins the primaries, then we put them in the position,” she explained.

Legal Victory Bolsters LP Leadership

This significant policy announcement by the Labour Party comes on the heels of a legal triumph for its current leadership. Senator Nenadi-Usman confirmed the dismissal of a lawsuit filed against the National Caretaker Committee at a High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The court found the suit to be lacking in merit and dismissed it. “To God be the glory, the case was thrown out. The court discovered that they had no locus standi. I believe the judge did very well by standing on truth and the case is now thrown out, so it is over,” she reported.

Adjustments to Party Congresses and Security Concerns

Regarding the party’s internal processes, Senator Nenadi-Usman hinted at a potential postponement of the upcoming congresses, which were initially scheduled to commence imminently. This adjustment is being considered to accommodate a “surge” of new members eager to join the LP. She argued that proceeding with the original timetable could disenfranchise a considerable number of prospective members. “If we go ahead to stick to that date, to my mind, we are going to disenfranchise quite a number of people. I think we should tinker with that date, sit together as a group and come up with a new date,” she proposed.

Furthermore, the LP chairman addressed a recent security incident involving party property, confirming that a formal petition has been lodged with the police. She expressed confidence in the authorities’ ability to apprehend and prosecute those responsible, thereby deterring future acts of political violence.