The Obidient Movement and stakeholders in the Kaduna South senatorial district on Thursday stated zoning the governorship ticket to Southern Kaduna will give the party an upper hand to win the 2027 general election in the state.
Pastor Isaac Ango Makama, coordinator of the Obidient Movement and NDC stakeholders in the southern senatorial zone, told journalists in Kaduna on Wednesday, “The APC and PDP have zoned their candidates to the central senatorial zone while the ADC zoned its own to the northern senatorial zone. “So, the NDC has the edge of winning the election if it zones the governorship to the southern senatorial zone.”
We believe that fielding a governorship candidate from Southern Kaduna will boost the NDCs electoral fortunes by building the confidence of those who are yearning for a shift from the old political order’, he added. It will also send a strong signal that our party rewards commitment, appreciates diversity and believes in the principles of justice and inclusiveness.
He said their demand is peaceful and democratic and in the overall interest of party unity, adding that they are not against any zone or group, but are calling for a decision that reflects the political realities of recent elections and the aspirations of thousands of party supporters across Kaduna State.
Makama appealed to the national and state leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress led by Sen. Seriake Dickson, presidential candidate Peter Obi and Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, party elders, State Party Chairman Mordecai Ibrahim, youth groups, women leaders and all stakeholders to support the zoning of the party’s governorship ticket to Kaduna South senatorial district.
He said that the zoning of the governorship ticket to the Kaduna South Senatorial District was not only a political concession, but an acknowledgement of the sacrifices and democratic commitment of a people who had been steady in the struggle for a better Kaduna State.
He also said Southern Kaduna has competent men and women with the ability, experience and vision to lead the state efficiently. “It is a question of capacity and creating an even platform for every section of the state to aspire to the highest office.
“As the NDC aspires to become a credible alternative in Kaduna State, it cannot ignore the political courage and commitment of the people of Southern Kaduna, who stood firm for change in the face of adversity, and who deserve recognition and inclusion in the party’s leadership calculations,” Makama said.
He said, “In the 2023 general elections, Southern Kaduna was one of the strongest supporters of the movement for change led by Mr Peter Obi and the Labour Party. “While many parts of the country were swayed by ethnic, religious and establishment politics, the people of Southern Kaduna voted overwhelmingly for competence, accountability, national unity and a new political direction.”