By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has backed the decision of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to zone its presidential ticket to the South ahead of the next general election, describing the move as a pathway to national healing, unity and fairness.
Kwankwaso declared his support during his speech at the NDC National Convention held in Abuja on Saturday.
The former presidential candidate said the zoning arrangement reflected the party’s commitment to equity, federal character and inclusive leadership at a time Nigeria was facing deep political, economic and security challenges.
“It is therefore with 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,” Kwankwaso said.
He noted that the country was currently at a critical crossroads and needed visionary leadership capable of repositioning Nigeria amid changing global realities.
According to him, poor leadership had left Nigeria unprepared for ongoing geopolitical shifts across the world, worsening hardship and insecurity across the country.
“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.
Kwankwaso added that investments were leaving the country while infrastructure and education continued to deteriorate under harsh economic policies that lacked meaningful relief measures for citizens.
The former governor, however, said Nigeria’s political history had repeatedly shown that national progress often emerged through strategic alliances and inclusive leadership arrangements.
He recalled the historic political partnerships between Aminu Kano’s Northern Elements Progressive Union and Nnamdi Azikiwe’s National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons in 1954, as well as the coalition between the NCNC and the Northern People’s Congress that paved the way for Nigeria’s independence in 1960.
Kwankwaso also referenced the alliance between former President Shehu Shagari and Alex Ekwueme during the Second Republic, saying such collaborations helped strengthen national unity after years of military rule.
“This represents a true opportunity for true national healing. We shall work in abidance with the party’s agreement to ensure fairness and federal character in all ramifications,” he said.
Kwankwaso further stated that the NDC would prioritise leadership free from 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 added.
He expressed confidence that the party would restore Nigeria’s dignity and improve the treatment of citizens both at home and abroad.
Kwankwaso also urged Nigerians to participate actively in the democratic process by registering to vote and joining the NDC.
“What began as a bold movement is steadily becoming a formidable platform for national renewal,” he stated.
