Obidient Movement backs zoning of governorship ticket to Southern Kaduna

The Obidient Movement and dtakeholders of Kaduna South senatorial district have said that zoning the governorship ticket to Southern Kaduna will give the party an advantage in winning the 2027 general election in the state.

Pastor Isaac Ango Makama, coordinator of the Obidient Movement and NDC stakeholders in the southern senatorial zone, while addressing journalists in Kaduna on Wednesday, said, “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 advantage of winning the election if it zones the governorship to the southern senatorial zone.”

He added, “We are convinced that presenting a governorship candidate from Southern Kaduna will strengthen the NDC’s electoral prospects by inspiring confidence among voters who seek a departure from the old political order. It will also send a powerful message that our party rewards commitment, respects diversity, and believes in the principles of justice and inclusion.”

He explained that their demand is peaceful and democratic, and in the overall interest of party unity, stressing that they are not opposed to any zone or group but are advocating a decision that reflects the political realities of recent elections and the aspirations of thousands of party supporters across Kaduna State.

Makama called on 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 stated that zoning the governorship ticket to Kaduna South Senatorial District is not merely a political concession but an acknowledgment of the sacrifices and democratic commitment of a people who have remained steadfast in the struggle for a better Kaduna State.

He added that Southern Kaduna possesses qualified men and women with the competence, experience, and vision required to govern the state effectively, stressing that the issue is about capacity and creating an equitable platform for every section of the state to aspire to the highest office.

Makama noted that as the NDC seeks to establish itself as a credible alternative in Kaduna State, it cannot ignore the political courage and commitment demonstrated by the people of Southern Kaduna, who stood firmly for change when it was difficult, and deserve recognition and inclusion in the party’s leadership calculations.

According to him, “In the 2023 general elections, Southern Kaduna distinguished itself as one of the strongest supporters of the movement for change represented by Mr. Peter Obi and the Labour Party. While many parts of the country were influenced by ethnic, religious, and establishment politics, the people of Southern Kaduna voted overwhelmingly for competence, accountability, national unity, and a new political direction.”