The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Enugu State Chapter, led by Dr. Johnpaul Anih, said it did not zone its governorship candidate to any part of the state.
The party said it has left the position open for competent citizens across the state who have all it takes to win elections and dislodge the APC-led government in the state.
Announcing this on Friday after the State Working Committee, SWC, meeting of the party, Enugu NDC Publicity Secretary Mr. Emmanuel Ugwueze said that any capable citizen of the state, irrespective of the senatorial zone, is qualified to fly the party’s governorship flag in the 2027 election.
“This decision is in line with the party’s determination to win the 2027 Enugu State governorship election and in achieving that, we are not going to sacrifice capacity on the altar of zoning.
“Capturing the Lion Building is our major target and we have to exploit every available option and strategy,”Ugwueze disclosed.
But he said the party had zoned the senatorial positions across the state on the basis of fair power distribution, equity and good conscience.
He said the party has zoned the Enugu East Senatorial District position to Enugu North and South Federal Constituencies, especially Enugu North LGA, as the only constituency and the local government of recent that has not occupied the position in the state.
He also said that the Senate seat for Enugu North Senatorial District has been zoned to Igboeze South Local Government Area which falls within the Nsukka/Igboeze South Federal Constituency.
Also, the Enugu West Senatorial District has been zoned to Awgu, being the only LGA in Enugu West Senatorial District that is yet to have a shot at the office.
The party also re-affirmed its commitment to internal democracy and transparency in all its processes. Consultations are still ongoing with stakeholders across the three senatorial districts to ensure inclusiveness and stability.
It also warned aspirants to be wary of some APC agents within the party who are out to destroy trust and sabotage the electoral chances of the party in the state.
NDC leadership says the zoning scheme for senatorial positions is part of a wider agenda to promote unity within the party and fairness among the different constituencies.
He also urged members of the party to remain calm and avoid misinformation or premature political speculation as the party leadership continues to deliberate on zoning of the governorship ticket, which will be communicated at the appropriate time ahead of the primaries.
He further reassured party members that all decisions taken so far are strictly guided by equity and collective interest, stressing that no region or group shall be marginalized in the sharing of electoral offices. He also stressed that the restructuring process underway is intended to build a stronger and more competitive platform that can provide credible leadership in the coming elections.
Also speaking, the secretary of the party, Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, said the party took some decisions regarding some federal constituencies while waiting for reports from the committee set up by the party on the remaining federal constituencies.
He said the party has zoned the Awgu–Aninri and Oji River federal constituency position to Aninri after considering reports of the zoning committee sent by the leaders from the zone.
He added that the position of the party in other remaining federal constituencies would be announced later.
He, however, appealed to all the aspirants who are not from the respective areas where positions have been zoned to withdraw their aspirations and support candidates that will emerge from those areas for the collective good of the state.
