A coalition of groups under the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM), in collaboration with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Plateau State chapter, has called for the presidential candidacy in the 2027 elections to be zoned to Southern Nigeria. This position was made known during the COPDEM Middle Belt Strategy Conference, held on Tuesday in Jos.
Speaking at the event, the Middle Belt Convener of COPDEM, Prince Rwamg Pam, presented a communiqué issued by the group, stating, “In line with Nigeria’s established political culture of balance, inclusion, and national cohesion, and in order to build a credible and winning coalition, the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) should be zoned to Southern Nigeria.”
The group also advised politicians from the Middle Belt against contesting for the presidency in the forthcoming election, stating, “The Middle Belt will not seek to lead from the front in 2027; it will lead from the centre by shaping a fair, inclusive, and winning coalition for Nigeria.”
The COPDEM-ADC 2026 Middle Belt Strategy Conference reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of democracy, the promotion of good governance, and the development of a broad, inclusive, and reform-driven political coalition capable of winning power and governing effectively in 2027.
Prince Pam further noted that participants at the conference called on democratic stakeholders, political actors, and citizens to embrace fairness, inclusion, strategic cooperation, and national unity as the foundation for Nigeria’s next phase of political leadership. He emphasized that “electability is tied to national acceptability and the intentional demonstration of fairness. Leadership that unites regions enhances legitimacy and stability in governance. Disregarding expectations of inclusion often leads to drastically reduced electoral support.”
He stressed that “a party that seeks to govern must reflect equity and inclusiveness in its decisions. Simply put, internal justice strengthens external credibility. A national platform must demonstrate balance at the highest level of leadership selection.”
