Zoning Dispute Splits Opposition Coalition as Obidients Demand Southern Candidate

Nigeria’s emerging opposition coalition has been thrown into fresh uncertainty as disagreements over zoning intensify, with supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso demanding that the presidential ticket for 2027 be reserved for the South.

The call follows a high-level political meeting in Ibadan where opposition leaders explored forming a united front to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next general election.

Leaders of the Obidient Movement argued that retaining the presidency in the South aligns with Nigeria’s informal zoning arrangement, noting that the current administration is already from the region and should complete its cycle for fairness and balance.

However, key opposition parties including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP) remain divided on the issue.

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The ADC, through its spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party is more concerned with fielding a candidate capable of winning the election rather than adhering strictly to zoning.

In contrast, the NNPP maintained that zoning remains a crucial factor in ensuring national balance, even within a consensus arrangement, while the SDP described zoning as a legitimate political consideration but not the sole determinant.

Political observers say the disagreement underscores the challenges facing opposition unity, as parties attempt to reconcile regional interests, electoral strategy and leadership ambitions ahead of 2027.

The debate is seen as a critical test of whether the coalition can overcome internal divisions and present a single candidate capable of mounting a strong challenge in the next presidential election.