Senate orders crackdown on bandits flaunting crime cash on TikTok

Abuja, FCT – By Prime Brief Media

Thousands of excited delegates, supporters, and political associates converged on the International Conference Centre along Ahmadu Bello Way on Saturday for the inaugural national convention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, paralysing vehicular movement in the area for hours. The convention, which was intended to formally adopt the party's constitution and manifesto, was headlined by a landmark decision to zone the 2027 presidential ticket exclusively to Southern Nigeria for a single four-year term.

The zoning decision, which was unanimously endorsed by delegates after a heated but amicable debate, is seen as a significant victory for the camp of Peter Obi, the former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate. Obi, who recently defected to the NDC alongside former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, is the party's frontrunner, though other aspirants from the region are also expected to contest. The single-term provision, party leaders explained, is designed to ensure power rotation and prevent the kind of perennial incumbency that has fuelled political tensions in the past.

"This party is not about any one individual. We are building an institution, and our constitution will reflect that," said NDC National Chairman Alhaji Sani Abdullahi in his address. He added that the party had also adopted a comprehensive manifesto pledging to tackle insecurity, revamp the economy, restructure the federation, and implement electoral reforms. Delegates also ratified the appointments of several national officers and approved a timetable for state congresses.

Traffic around the venue was gridlocked for several hours, with makeshift camps, food vendors, and stages transforming the area into a carnival ground. Security personnel were deployed heavily but maintained a largely unobtrusive presence, and no major incidents were reported. Many delegates wore T-shirts emblazoned with pictures of Obi and Kwankwaso beneath the slogan "Time for Real Change."

Political analysts say the NDC convention signals the party's intent to move beyond the "third force" label and position itself as the main opposition platform. However, questions remain about how the party will handle the inevitable contest between Southern aspirants, particularly if Kwankwaso, who has yet to declare for the ticket, decides to contest despite the zoning.

Prime Brief Media is closely following political reactions and will provide updates as the situation evolves.

#NDC #Convention #Zoning #PeterObi #Elections2027 #PrimeBriefMedia