Enugu NDC Declares Guber Ticket Open Amid Zoning Debate Ahead of 2027

The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Enugu State Chapter, led by Dr. Johnpaul Anih, said it did not zone its governorship candidate to any part of the state.

The party said it has left the position open for competent citizens across the state that have all it takes to win elections and dislodge the APC-led government in the state.

Any capable citizen of the state, irrespective of senatorial zone, is qualified to fly the party’s governorship flag in the 2027 election, Mr Emmanuel Ugwueze, Enugu NDC Publicity Secretary, said in a statement on Friday after the State Working Committee, SWC, meeting of the party.

“This decision is consistent with the resolve of the party to win the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State and in doing that, we are not going to sacrifice capacity on the altar of zoning.

“Our main target is to capture the Lion Building and we have to exploit every available option and strategy,” Ugwueze disclosed.

But he said the party had zoned the senatorial positions across the state on the basis of fair power distribution, equity and good conscience.

He said the party has zoned the Enugu East Senatorial District position to Enugu North and South Federal Constituencies, especially Enugu North LGA, as the only constituency and local government of recent that has not occupied the position in the state.

He also said that the Senate seat for Enugu North Senatorial District has been zoned to Igboeze South Local Government Area which falls within Nsukka/Igboeze South Federal Constituency.

Awgu too has been zoned to the Enugu West Senatorial District. Awgu is the only LGA in the Enugu West Senatorial District that has not had a shot at the office.

The party also re-affirmed its commitment to internal democracy and transparency in all its processes. Consultations are still ongoing with stakeholders across the three senatorial districts to ensure inclusiveness and stability.

It also warned would-be candidates to be wary of some APC agents in the party, who are out to destroy the trust and sabotage the electoral chances of the party in the state.

NDC leadership says the zoning scheme for senatorial positions is part of a wider agenda to promote unity within the party and fairness among the different constituencies.

He also urged the party members to stay calm and avoid the temptation of spreading falsehood or jumping into premature political conclusions as the party leadership is still consulting on zoning of the governorship ticket which will be communicated at the right time before the primaries.

He further reassured party members that all decisions taken so far are strictly guided by equity and collective interest, stressing that no region or group shall be marginalized in the sharing of electoral offices. He also stressed that the ongoing restructuring process is to build a stronger and more competitive platform that can provide credible leadership in the upcoming elections.

Also speaking, the secretary of the party, Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, said the party took some decisions on some federal constituencies while waiting for reports from the committee set up by the party on the remaining federal constituencies.

He said the party has zoned the Awgu-Aninri and Oji River federal constituency position to Aninri considering the reports of the zoning committee sent by the leaders from the zone.

He said the party would announce later its position in other remaining federal constituencies.

He however appealed to all the aspirants that are not from the respective areas where positions have been zoned to withdraw their aspirations and support candidates that will emerge from those areas for the collective good of the state.