Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State, has endorsed the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South. He described the move as a step toward national healing, fairness and unity. Kwankwaso made the remarks on Saturday while addressing delegates at the NDC national convention in Abuja.
He stated, "It is with unity and solidarity that I support zoning the NDC presidential ticket to the South." According to him, the decision allows the southern region to complete its turn in national leadership. Kwankwaso assured that the party would uphold fairness, federal character and equity in appointments and resource distribution.
He urged the NDC to promote leadership free from ethnic and religious prejudice. "The NDC must set a new leadership standard capable of restoring Nigeria's dignity," he said. Kwankwaso called on Nigerian youths and students to register and actively participate in the electoral process. "The NDC is a noble cause; please register now," he said.
Kwankwaso noted that the party had attracted "quality members" since its formation. He added that it had generated strong interest among Nigerians and international observers. "What began as a bold movement is becoming a formidable platform for national renewal," he said.
He warned that Nigeria was facing a defining political moment, citing leadership failures as a barrier to progress. "The world is changing politically, yet Nigeria remains unprepared because of leadership failures," he said. Kwankwaso decried rising insecurity, economic hardship and declining living standards. He said many citizens had been displaced and investments were leaving Nigeria.
He referenced historical political alliances, including the 1954 partnership between the Northern Elements Progressive Union and the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons involving Aminu Kano and Nnamdi Azikiwe. He also mentioned the Second Republic alliance between Shehu Shagari and Alex Ekwueme, saying such collaborations delivered solutions during critical national periods.
Kwankwaso champions regional rotation in leadership while positioning himself as a national unifier, yet his own political base remains rooted in northern dominance. The NDC's South-bound ticket may struggle to reconcile symbolic inclusivity with the reality of northern political control. If zoning is fairness, then the party must show how power will shift beyond slogans. Kwankwaso's call for youth engagement gains little weight without a clear path to leadership for those outside elite circles.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
