The Labour Party (LP) has zoned its presidential ticket to the southern region of the country.

Although the issue of zoning is not in Nigeria’s constitution, it is adopted by some political parties in the spirit of equity and fairness.

The South-South of Nigeria comprises of Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross-River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers States and is geographically located within the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

LP’s National Caretaker Committee Chairman, Nenadi Usman, disclosed this during a meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja on Tuesday.

“We have one certain decision that we have taken, and that is that we will certainly not field any aspirant from Northern Nigeria. We have zoned the position to southern Nigeria,” Usman said , emphasising , “So if any northerner comes now to want to contest elections, we certainly will not accept that.”

She insisted that the party would adhere to internal democratic processes, declining to name any potential candidate.“As for who, I can’t tell you now because then it won’t be democratic anymore.

Whoever the people like and vote for during the primaries… could be the candidate,” the former minister of finance said.“To God be the glory, the case was thrown out because it lacked merit,” she noted, adding that the judge “stood on truth”.

She also spotlighted the party’s prospects for the 2027 general elections, hinting at a review of the date for LP’s upcoming congresses due to a surge in membership.

“If we go ahead to stick to that date, to my mind, we are going to disenfranchise quite a number of people,” Usman said.

Peter Obi has assured Nigerians that he could govern the country effectively even from Kaduna, stressing that location would not hinder his leadership.

He spoke on Sunday during a meeting with African Democratic Congress (ADC) stakeholders in Kaduna.

“Abuja to Kaduna is less than two hours; so nothing stops a president from attending meetings here and returning. In fact, I can serve Nigeria from Kaduna without a single problem,” he said.

The visit formed part of Obi’s nationwide consultations, providing an opportunity to engage party chieftains and gauge the political mood in the state. He observed a strong commitment among stakeholders, noting that their motivation extended beyond political ambition to a genuine desire to serve the people.

Moreover, Obi highlighted Kaduna’s strategic importance, recalling its past as a major hub for industry, agriculture, and commerce.

He emphasised that with disciplined, competent, and people-oriented leadership, the state’s lost glory could be restored for the benefit of all citizens.

A public opinion survey conducted by GoNigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections, revealed that less than 50 percent of Nigerians have no confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

GoNigeria is convened by Mr Atedo Peterside and 24 others Nigerians.

In a statement titled ‘Electoral reform and the sanctity of Nigeria’s democratic future’, GoNigeria emphasised that electoral reforms, judicial reforms and freedom of speech, among others, are critical for Nigeria’s democracy.

According to the organisation, four pillars are critical for Nigeria’s democracy: electoral reform, judicial reform, freedom of speech, and the security of life and property.

” These pillars are the practical guardrails required for a democracy that is durable and productive.

Among these pillars, electoral reform is foundational. Elections do not simply select leaders; they determine whether power is accepted as legitimate, whetherpower is accepted as legitimate, whether institutions are trusted, and whether governance will be effective. Where elections are credible, authority is strengthened.

“This understanding was clearly articulated by the Justice Mohammed Uwais-led Electoral Reform Committee, whose recommendations emphasised independence of the electoral body, transparency, credible dispute resolution, and firm enforcement of electoral rules.

Subsequent reforms centered on the adoption of digital tools, including biometric voter registration, Permanent Voters’ Cards, and electronic accreditation.

These innovations reflected institutional intent and public demand: technology as a guardrail against manipulation and a basis for public confidence.