Leaders from Nigeria’s Middle Belt within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Labour Party (LP) have expressed strong support for a southern presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections, citing the need for fairness, balance, and national cohesion.
At a strategic conference held in Jos, Plateau State, Middle Belt stakeholders in the ADC resolved not to present a presidential candidate for the 2027 race. The meeting, organised by the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEN) in collaboration with the ADC, focused on building alliances ahead of the polls.
Reading the communiqué, the group’s coordinator, Prince Pam Rwang, described the decision as a deliberate effort to strengthen unity and promote inclusive governance. Participants agreed that electoral success in Nigeria depends on broad coalitions rather than regional dominance, noting the Middle Belt’s pivotal role as a bridge between the North and South.
The conference emphasised adherence to zoning and rotational leadership, practices already common at sub-national levels. Delegates maintained that such principles should also guide presidential power-sharing, stressing that the region would instead play a strategic role in shaping national outcomes through alliances.
Similarly, the Labour Party has officially zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South. The party’s National Caretaker Committee Chairman, Senator Esther Nenadi-Usman, announced that northern aspirants would not be considered for the position.
She explained that the decision was aimed at providing clarity ahead of the election while maintaining internal democracy. According to her, the party would still allow a transparent primary process to determine its eventual candidate.
The announcement followed a legal victory for the party, as a High Court in Yenagoa dismissed a suit challenging the legitimacy of the caretaker committee, ruling that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to proceed.
Nenadi-Usman also hinted at a possible adjustment to the party’s congress timetable to accommodate a growing number of new members, warning that proceeding as scheduled could disenfranchise many.
In addition, she confirmed that the party had reported a recent security breach involving its property to the police, expressing confidence that those responsible would be brought to justice.
Overall, both the ADC stakeholders and Labour Party leaders underscored the importance of equity, inclusion, and strategic alliances as key factors that will shape the 2027 presidential contest.
