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Abuja, FCT – By Prime Brief Media

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has found itself at the centre of a political firestorm following its maiden national convention, where the party formally adopted a constitutional provision zoning its 2027 presidential ticket exclusively to Southern Nigeria for a single four-year term, with an automatic rotation to the North in 2031. While the party has defended the framework as a bold and necessary innovation, it has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), on Monday launched a blistering attack, describing the arrangement as "an audacious attempt to hoodwink Nigerians — nothing but political 419." In a statement, Keyamo questioned the durability of the commitment, referencing the precedent set by former President Goodluck Jonathan, who had pledged to serve a single term in 2011 but later reversed that decision. "What happens if Peter Obi changes his party, assuming he wins, or as leader of the NDC he gets the NEC of the party to reverse the decision? Nigerians should not be deceived," Keyamo argued.

The NDC's National Publicity Secretary, Barrister Chukwuma Eze, hit back at Keyamo, accusing him of speaking out of fear. "The NDC has done what no other party has had the courage to do: enshrine rotation in its constitution. Keyamo's party, the APC, has not even held a convention, let alone defined a zoning formula. He is afraid of a transparent and equitable political process," Eze said. He added that the party's constitution has entrenched the single-term and rotation provisions in a manner that cannot be easily amended.

The NDC's zoning decision is widely seen as a boost for Peter Obi's presidential ambition, though the party insists it remains open to other qualified Southern aspirants. Rabiu Kwankwaso, the party's most prominent northern figure, publicly endorsed the framework, describing it as a necessary sacrifice for national unity. The debate over zoning is expected to intensify as all parties finalise their platforms ahead of the 2027 primaries.

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