The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State, led by Dr. Johnpaul Anih, has clarified that it has not zoned its governorship ticket to any specific region of the state. Instead, the party has declared the ticket open to all qualified and capable individuals across Enugu State, irrespective of senatorial zone.
Decision to Prioritize Competence
Addressing journalists on Friday after a State Working Committee (SWC) meeting, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Ugwueze, explained that this decision aims to strengthen the party’s prospects in the 2027 governorship election. He emphasized that competence will take precedence over zoning in the party's effort to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
“This decision aligns with the party’s determination to win the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State. We are not going to sacrifice capacity on the altar of zoning,” Ugwueze stated. “Capturing the Lion Building is our major target, and we will exploit every available option and strategy.”
Zoning for Legislative Positions
However, the party announced a zoning arrangement for senatorial and other legislative positions, based on equity, fairness, and inclusiveness. According to Ugwueze, the Enugu East Senatorial District ticket has been zoned within Enugu North and South Federal Constituencies, specifically Enugu North LGA, which he noted has not produced a senator in recent times.
He also revealed that the Enugu North Senatorial District ticket has been zoned to Igboeze South Local Government Area under Nsukka/Igboeze South Federal Constituency, while the Enugu West Senatorial District ticket has been zoned to Awgu LGA. The party stated that this arrangement is part of efforts to promote fairness and balance among constituencies.
Ongoing Consultations
Ugwueze stressed that consultations are still ongoing with stakeholders across the three senatorial districts to ensure inclusiveness and stability within the party. He cautioned members against misinformation and warned against what he described as “external interference,” alleging that some individuals sympathetic to the APC are attempting to destabilize the party.
According to the NDC leadership, the zoning arrangement for legislative offices is part of broader efforts to strengthen internal democracy and unity within the party. Ugwueze urged members to remain calm and avoid premature political speculation, noting that consultations on the governorship ticket are ongoing and will be concluded ahead of the primaries. He assured that all decisions taken so far are guided by equity and collective interest, adding that no region will be marginalized in the process.
Further Decisions on Federal Constituencies
Also speaking, the party’s Secretary, Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, said the party has taken decisions on some federal constituencies while awaiting reports from a zoning committee on others. He noted that the Awgu–Aninri and Oji River Federal Constituency has been zoned to Aninri after reviewing recommendations from leaders in the area. Okafor added that decisions on the remaining constituencies will be communicated later.
He urged aspirants outside designated zones to step down and support consensus candidates in the interest of party unity and electoral success.
