2027: Enugu NDC Throws Governorship Ticket Open, Clears Air On Zoning

The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State has declared that its governorship ticket for the 2027 general elections remains open to all qualified aspirants across the state, saying it has not zoned the position to any senatorial district.

The party, led by Dr. Johnpaul Anih, said the decision was aimed at fielding a strong candidate capable of defeating the ruling party in the state.

Speaking after a State Working Committee (SWC) meeting on Friday, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Ugwueze, said any eligible citizen of Enugu State, regardless of senatorial zone, is free to contest the governorship ticket.

“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,” he said.

He added that the party’s priority was to “capture the Lion Building,” stressing that all available options and strategies would be deployed to achieve victory.

However, Ugwueze clarified that while the governorship ticket remains open, the party has adopted zoning arrangements for senatorial positions across the state in the interest of fairness, equity, and inclusion.

According to him, the Enugu East Senatorial District seat has been zoned to Enugu North and South Federal Constituency, particularly Enugu North Local Government Area, while the Enugu North Senatorial District slot has been zoned to Igboeze South Local Government Area.

He further disclosed that the Enugu West Senatorial District position has been zoned to Awgu Local Government Area.

Ugwueze said the zoning arrangement was designed to strengthen internal democracy and ensure equitable representation across constituencies.

He urged party members to remain calm and avoid misinformation, noting that consultations were still ongoing regarding other electoral positions, including the governorship ticket.

He also cautioned against what he described as attempts by “some APC agents” to destabilise the party and undermine its electoral chances.

Also speaking, the party’s Secretary, Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, said decisions had also been taken on some federal constituencies, while others were still under review by a zoning committee.

He said the Awgu–Aninri and Oji River federal constituency seat had been zoned to Aninri following consultations with stakeholders.

Okafor added that further announcements on remaining constituencies would be made after the committee concludes its work.

He urged aspirants from zones not allocated positions to step down and support consensus candidates for the overall interest of the party and the state.