Maritime expert and political figure, Hon. Thomas Victor Onwubiko, on Friday joined top leaders and stakeholders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) at the party’s National Congress held at the Los Angeles Events Centre, Abuja, where the party officially zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria.
The congress, which attracted thousands of party faithful, delegates, youth groups and political supporters from across the country, marked a significant moment in the evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Hon. Onwubiko attended the event alongside the Lagos State Chairman of the NDC, Hon. King Adekunle Okuneye and other members of the party’s state executive council. His presence at the congress further strengthened speculations about his growing influence within the party and his expanding political engagements in Lagos State, particularly in Amuwo Odofin Constituency 1, where he has continued consultations with grassroots stakeholders ahead of the 2027 elections.
The event was attended by several high-profile political leaders, including NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, former Labour Party presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor, Engr. Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Also present were members of the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya Movement, whose supporters filled the venue in large numbers, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and renewed opposition coalition politics.
The congress witnessed passionate speeches by party leaders who stressed the need for national unity, inclusive governance, economic reforms and a new political direction capable of addressing Nigeria’s mounting social and economic challenges.
A major highlight of the congress was the official announcement zoning the party’s 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a decision party leaders described as necessary to promote equity, fairness and national balance.
Speaking during the gathering, Senator Seriake Dickson said the decision reflected the party’s commitment to justice and power rotation, insisting that the South deserved the opportunity to continue leading the country after years of political imbalance and growing national tensions.
According to him, the NDC remains committed to building a broad-based national coalition capable of rescuing Nigeria from insecurity, unemployment, economic hardship, and deepening political divisions.
Peter Obi, who received loud cheers from supporters at the congress, reiterated the need for competent and accountable leadership, urging Nigerians to remain hopeful despite current economic difficulties.
Obi stressed that the 2027 elections would not only be about political parties but about the future survival of Nigeria as a united and prosperous nation.
Similarly, Engr. Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso called for stronger collaboration among opposition forces, warning that division among progressive political movements could weaken efforts to provide credible alternatives for Nigerians.
Observers at the congress noted the increasing political cooperation between the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya Movement, especially after the recent alignment of key political actors under the NDC platform.
Supporters carrying banners, party flags, and campaign materials repeatedly chanted solidarity songs as leaders addressed the gathering on the future direction of the party.
Hon. Thomas Victor Onwubiko, while interacting with party supporters at the venue, reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots development, youth empowerment and quality representation.
He noted that the congress demonstrated the growing strength of the NDC across the country and expressed confidence that the party would emerge as a major force in the 2027 elections.
According to him, Nigerians are increasingly demanding responsive leadership, economic reforms and people-oriented governance.
He also commended the leadership of the party for successfully organising what many described as one of the largest opposition political gatherings in recent times.
Political analysts believe the congress may signal the beginning of a broader opposition realignment ahead of 2027, particularly with the increasing involvement of influential political blocs and youth-driven movements.
The presence of supporters from different regions of the country also reflected growing efforts by the NDC to position itself as a truly national platform capable of attracting politicians, professionals, youths and civil society groups dissatisfied with the current political structure.
Security was visibly tight around the Los Angeles Events Centre throughout the congress, with security operatives maintaining order as delegates and supporters trooped into the venue.
Several party leaders from the South-East, South-South, North-Central and South-West also used the occasion to reaffirm their loyalty to the party and their commitment to building a united opposition coalition.
The congress eventually concluded with a communique endorsing the zoning arrangement and calling on Nigerians to support the party’s vision for national transformation, economic recovery and democratic consolidation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
