Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has backed the decision of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South.
Speaking at the party’s convention on Saturday in Abuja, Kwankwaso said the move aligned with the party’s established power-sharing arrangement.
Going down memory lane, Kwankwaso traced how alliances between North and South yielded productive results.
“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. Instead of positioning Nigeria to seize emerging opportunities, bad governance has left us bearing the brunt of global changes.”
“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. 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.
“Yet Nigeria’s history teaches us that in our most challenging moments, visionary alliances have provided the way forward. In 1954, a historic partnership was formed 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 to achieve national unity.
“Again, in 1960, against steep odds, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe’s National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) formed a coalition with the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) to birth our independence.
“In the Second Republic, the alliance between Shehu Shagari and Alex Ekwueme under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) helped restore civilian rule and national unity after years of military dictatorship.
“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.
“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.
He further urged Nigerians and party supporters to remain active in the NDC’s mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Our correspondent reports that the convention had approved the zoning of the party’s presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria for a single four-year term.
Afam Victor Ogene, the member representing Ogbaru Constituency of Anambra State in the 10th National Assembly, moved the motion for zoning of the ticket to the South, and it was seconded by Seyi Sowunmi, also a member of the National Assembly.
The convention also approved that after the single four-year term, the presidential ticket will be automatically zoned to the North.
The decision has cleared the way for the former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, and other aspirants from the region.
Earlier, the National Chairman of the party, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to democracy, constitutional governance, and national development during the ongoing convention.
It was reported that Obi and Kwankwaso defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and formally joined the NDC on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
They were officially registered as members of the party on Sunday at its national secretariat in Abuja, where they were issued membership cards.
(DAILY TRUST)
