The Professionals for Good Governance and Social Justice (PGGSJ) have issued a strong call to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), urging the party to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria. The socio-political group emphasizes that such a move is essential for maintaining equity, justice, and national cohesion within the country’s political landscape.
In a statement released on Monday and signed by the group’s Secretary, Comrade I.O. Emmanuel, the organization warned that bypassing the zoning principle could severely damage the party’s credibility and its chances at the polls. Emmanuel pointed out that Nigeria is currently at a crossroad where political leaders must make intentional choices to transition the nation from insecurity and economic hardship toward safety and prosperity.
The group noted that the zoning arrangement, which is rooted in the Federal Character principle, has served as a vital stabilizing force for Nigeria’s democracy since 1999. History shows that political parties that have chosen to ignore this balance in the past have often faced significant internal crises and electoral setbacks. Emmanuel specifically cited the challenges faced by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a cautionary tale, suggesting that its decline was partly due to a failure to stick consistently to established zoning agreements.
Looking back at the 2023 general elections, the PGGSJ scribe remarked that decisions made by major stakeholders to disregard zoning led to widespread internal discontent and a weakened performance at the ballot box. For a growing opposition party like the ADC, the group insists this is a defining moment to avoid the mistakes of its predecessors and ensure that public trust is not sacrificed for short-term political convenience.
The statement further argued that the South deserves the presidential ticket in 2027, maintaining that true political power cannot be built on a foundation of perceived injustice. Emmanuel stressed that no region can be expected to fully mobilize behind a process that ignores its rightful turn. He also dismissed the idea that political structures belong to individuals, reminding the party leadership that such platforms are built through collective effort and shared interests.
The PGGSJ has pledged to mobilize support both at home and in the diaspora for a credible Southern candidate, provided they emerge through a transparent and consensus-driven process. The group expressed confidence that there are principled leaders within the ADC who value fairness and will act decisively to uphold unity. Failure to respect this arrangement, they warned, would only weaken the party’s position against the ruling class when the 2027 elections arrive.
