Former Governor of Kano State and chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has declared support for the zoning of the party’s presidential ticket to the South ahead of the 2027 general election, describing the move as necessary for national unity and healing.
Mr Kwankwaso made the declaration on Saturday while addressing delegates and supporters at the National Convention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress held in Abuja.
In a speech that focused heavily on the country’s worsening economic and security challenges, the former presidential candidate said Nigeria was currently at a critical turning point due to what he described as years of poor leadership and governance failures.
According to him, the country has been unable to position itself strategically amid shifting global realities, resulting in deepening hardship and insecurity across the nation.
“Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. The world is undergoing a profound geopolitical shift, yet our nation has been caught unprepared, largely because of poor leadership,” Mr Kwankwaso said.
He lamented the deteriorating standard of living in the country, rising insecurity and the growing number of displaced persons caused by violent conflicts and criminal activities.
“We are witnessing a sharp decline in the quality of life. Insecurity has created widows and orphans across the land. Millions have been displaced from their homes,” he stated.
The former Kano governor also criticised the state of infrastructure, education and the economy, arguing that citizens were being subjected to difficult economic policies without adequate social protection measures.
“Investments are fleeing, critical infrastructure is neglected, the education system is collapsing, and harsh economic policies have been imposed on citizens without meaningful safety nets or relief,” he added.
Mr Kwankwaso, however, said Nigeria’s political history had shown that strategic alliances and inclusive leadership arrangements often emerge during periods of national uncertainty.
Drawing references from historical political coalitions in Nigeria, he cited the 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 in 1954 as well as the coalition that paved the way for Nigeria’s independence in 1960.
He also referenced the alliance between former President Shehu Shagari and former Vice President Alex Ekwueme during the Second Republic, describing such partnerships as examples of national unity and political inclusiveness.
“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 declared.
Mr Kwankwaso described the zoning arrangement as an opportunity for national healing and fairness, promising that the party would uphold federal character principles and inclusiveness in its operations.
“This represents a true opportunity for national healing. We shall work in abidance with the party’s agreement to ensure fairness and federal character in all ramifications,” he said.
The former governor further pledged that the NDC would pursue a different style of leadership devoid of ethnic and religious bias.
“This party shall also ensure to change the way things are done today by prioritising leadership without ethnic jingoism and religious favouritism,” he stated.
According to him, the leadership culture envisioned by the party would restore Nigeria’s dignity internationally and guarantee respect for Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.
Mr Kwankwaso also used the occasion to urge Nigerians, especially young people and first-time voters, to participate actively in the democratic process by registering with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and joining the NDC.
“We can only achieve that by continuing to mobilise to register with INEC to vote, and the NDC to belong to this noble cause,” he said.
The convention attracted party members, political stakeholders and supporters from across the country, amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
