Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano state, has declared support for the decision of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to southern Nigeria.
The party had earlier resolved at its national convention in Abuja to zone the ticket to the south for a single four-year term.
Speaking at the convention on Saturday, Kwankwaso said the arrangement would promote fairness, national unity and healing.
“It is therefore with a great sense of unity and solidarity that, as a loyal party member, I support the decision to zone the presidential ticket of the NDC to the south, so that it allows the region to complete its turn in producing national leadership,” he said.
“This represents a true opportunity for national healing.”
HISTORICAL PRECEDENCE
The former Kano governor said Nigeria’s history showed that strategic alliances between different regions had often helped stabilise the country during difficult periods.
Kwankwaso recalled the 1954 alliance between the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), led by Aminu Kano, and the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), led by Nnamdi Azikiwe.
He also referenced the coalition between the NCNC and the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) ahead of Nigeria’s independence in 1960, as well as the partnership between Shehu Shagari and Alex Ekwueme during the Second Republic.
According to him, Nigeria is currently facing deep economic and security challenges caused by poor leadership.
“We are witnessing a sharp decline in the quality of life,” he said.
“Insecurity has created widows and orphans across the land. Millions have been displaced from their homes.”
The ex-Kano governor also criticised economic policies imposed without “meaningful safety nets or relief”.
He said the NDC would promote leadership free from “ethnic jingoism and religious favouritism”.
“This party shall also ensure to change the way things are done today by prioritising leadership without ethnic jingoism and religious favouritism,” he said.
Kwankwaso urged Nigerians to register with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and support the NDC ahead of the next election.
