A close associate of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Buba Galadima, has said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has allocated its 2027 presidential ticket to the southern region.
Speaking on a television programme on Monday, Galadima disclosed that the party plans to submit its membership register to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on May 5 or 6.
“Once we do that, we are good to go,” he said.
When asked about the party’s zoning arrangement and method for selecting a candidate, Galadima stated, “we have zoned the party’s presidential candidature to the south. No missing votes. We’ve zoned it to the south.”
On whether the party would adopt a consensus candidate or conduct primaries, he said “primaries” remain the immediate priority.
On Sunday, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and Kwankwaso, a former Kano governor, officially joined the NDC.
Obi had earlier exited the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while Kwankwaso had hinted at ongoing “wide-ranging consultations” with the party.
Their departure from the ADC followed the party’s prolonged internal crisis.
After the all-opposition leaders’ summit held in Ibadan late last month, Obi reportedly stayed away from subsequent ADC meetings.
The former Anambra governor was said to be dissatisfied that zoning was not addressed during the gathering.
Obi has consistently advocated for zoning of the presidential ticket, arguing that neglecting equity and power rotation undermines unity and trust within the coalition.