MEDIA COMMUNIQUÉ
A communique issued at the end of the COPDEM NEC Meeting and Strategy Conference with members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Held in Abuja – Tuesday, 17 March 2026
Leaders, political stakeholders, civil society actors, and democratic reform advocates convened in Abuja on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, for the COPDEM National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting and Strategy Conference with the Members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The conference was held under the theme:
“From Opposition to Government: Building the Winning Coalition for Nigeria 2027.”
Participants from across Nigeria and Nigerians from the Diaspora engaged in extensive deliberations on Nigeria’s political trajectory and the urgent need to build a credible governing alternative capable of restoring public confidence in leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The conference that was declared open by the COPDEM National Chairman, Prince Pam Rwang Junior examined key strategic pillars necessary for a successful national campaign, including electoral mathematics, national messaging and narrative, candidate selection strategy, and institutional reforms within the party structure.
Delegates noted that Nigeria is currently facing severe economic strain, worsening insecurity, and declining public trust in political leadership. These challenges, they stressed, require a new leadership direction grounded in competence, credibility, national unity, and inclusive governance.
KEY OBSERVATIONS
Electoral Mathematics
Participants agreed that building a winning national coalition requires a clear understanding of Nigeria’s electoral realities. A successful presidential campaign must mobilise broad-based support across regions, particularly energising voters in the Middle Belt and Southern Nigeria, where demand for reform-oriented leadership continues to grow.
Messaging and National Narrative
The conference emphasised that Nigeria’s political future must be anchored on shared national values — fairness, unity, inclusion, and justice. Delegates reiterated that the principle of zoning and balanced leadership has historically served as a stabilising force in Nigeria’s diverse federation.
Candidate Selection Strategy
Participants noted that since 1999, Nigeria’s democratic experience has been guided by the North–South leadership rotation principle, which has contributed significantly to political stability and balance.
Delegates further observed that no major political party has successfully secured a presidential victory while disregarding this entrenched expectation of regional balance.
The zoning principle, they added, remains widely practiced across all levels of governance in Nigeria — from local government to state leadership.
Party Structure and Institutional Reform
Participants agreed that for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to transition from opposition to a governing party, it must strengthen internal democracy, deepen institutional capacity, and ensure inclusiveness across all regions.
RESOLUTION
After extensive deliberations, the conference unanimously resolved as follows:
- That the 2027 presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) should be zoned to Southern Nigeria in line with the long-standing principle of North–South power rotation.
- That this decision is critical to building a broad, credible, and nationally accepted governing coalition capable of winning the 2027 general elections.
- That zoning the ticket to the South will significantly enhance the party’s electoral viability by consolidating support across key regions.
- That failure to uphold this principle may compel the mobilisation of Southern aspirants and stakeholders out of the party, in defence of equity, justice, and fairness.
Participants stressed that any political platform seeking to govern Nigeria must demonstrate a firm commitment to fairness, inclusion, and national balance in its leadership decisions.
CONCLUSION
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to building a disciplined, reform-driven political movement capable of restoring public trust in governance and delivering competent leadership for Nigeria.
The conference concluded with a strong call for unity among democratic forces committed to national renewal and the emergence of a credible governing alternative.
