Enugu: NDC Throws Guber Ticket Open, Clarifies Position on Zoning Ahead 2027

Our Reporter 

The Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed claims that it had zoned its governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 election, declaring that the race remains open to all qualified and capable aspirants across the state.

The party leadership, led by Dr. Johnpaul Anih, said its primary objective is to build a strong platform capable of winning the governorship election and unseating the ruling administration in the state.

Speaking with journalists on Friday after a meeting of the party’s State Working Committee (SWC), the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Ugwueze, stated that the NDC had deliberately left the governorship position open to aspirants from all senatorial zones.

According to him, the decision was informed by the party’s determination to prioritize competence and electoral strength over regional considerations.

“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,” Ugwueze said.

He added that the party’s major political objective is to secure control of the Government House, popularly known as the Lion Building, stressing that every strategic option would be explored toward achieving that goal.

Despite leaving the governorship race open, the party announced zoning arrangements for senatorial positions across the state, describing the move as a commitment to fairness, equity, and balanced power distribution.

Ugwueze explained that the Enugu East Senatorial District ticket had been zoned to Enugu North and South Federal Constituency, specifically Enugu North Local Government Area, citing the area’s limited representation in recent political arrangements.

He further disclosed that the Enugu North Senatorial District ticket had been zoned to Igboeze South Local Government Area within the Nsukka/Igboeze South Federal Constituency, while the Enugu West Senatorial District position had been reserved for Awgu Local Government Area, which he noted had yet to occupy the seat.

The party also reiterated its commitment to internal democracy and transparency, noting that consultations with stakeholders across the three senatorial zones were ongoing to ensure inclusiveness and stability within the party.

NDC leadership cautioned members against misinformation and alleged infiltration by individuals it described as agents of rival political interests seeking to create division and weaken the party’s electoral prospects.

According to the party, the zoning arrangement for senatorial positions forms part of broader efforts to strengthen unity and promote fairness among constituencies.

Ugwueze urged party members to remain calm and avoid speculation regarding the governorship ticket, assuring that any future decisions on the matter would be communicated through appropriate channels ahead of the party primaries.

He further assured members that all decisions taken by the party were guided by principles of equity and collective interest, emphasizing that no group or region would be marginalized.

Also speaking, the party’s Secretary, Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, revealed that additional decisions had been reached regarding federal constituency positions, while awaiting reports from committees handling unresolved areas.

Okafor disclosed that the Awgu–Aninri/Oji River Federal Constituency ticket had been zoned to Aninri Local Government Area following recommendations from stakeholders and the party’s zoning committee.

He noted that announcements on other unresolved federal constituencies would be made in due course.

The party secretary also appealed to aspirants from areas outside the designated zones to withdraw their ambitions and support candidates from the approved areas, describing such sacrifices as necessary for unity and the collective interest of the state.