2027: Enugu NDC throws guber ticket open, clears air on zoning controversy

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

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

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

“This decision aligns with the party’s determination to win the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State, and to achieve that, we are not going to sacrifice capacity on the altar of zoning.

“Capturing the Lion Building is our major target, and we have to exploit every available option and strategy,” Ugwueze disclosed.

He, however, announced that the party has zoned the senatorial positions across the state based on 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, particularly Enugu North LGA, as the only constituency, as well as the local government in recent times that is yet to occupy the position in the state.

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

Similarly, the Enugu West Senatorial District has been zoned to Awgu, being the only LGA in Enugu West Senatorial District that is yet to take a shot at the position.

The party further reiterated its commitment to internal democracy and transparency in all its processes, noting that consultations are still ongoing with stakeholders across the three senatorial districts to ensure inclusiveness and stability.

It also cautioned aspirants to be wary of some APC agents within the party who are bent on destroying trust and undermining the electoral chances of the party in the state.

According to the NDC leadership, the zoning arrangement for senatorial positions is part of broader efforts to strengthen unity within the party and promote fairness among the various constituencies.

Ugwueze also urged members of the party to remain calm and avoid misinformation or premature political speculation, as the party leadership continues to deliberate on the zoning of the governorship ticket, which will be communicated at the appropriate time ahead of the primaries.

He also assured party members that all decisions taken so far are guided strictly by equity and collective interest, stressing that no region or group will be marginalized in the distribution of electoral offices. He further emphasized that the ongoing restructuring process is aimed at building a stronger and more competitive platform capable of delivering credible leadership in the coming elections.

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

According to him, the party has zoned the Awgu–Aninri and Oji River federal constituency position to Aninri after considering reports of the zoning committee sent by leaders from the zone.

He added that the position of the party in other remaining federal constituencies would be made known later.

He, however, called on all the aspirants who 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.

2027: Enugu NDC throws guber ticket open, clears air on zoning controversy