Former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has backed the decision of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to southern Nigeria.
The decision was adopted during the party’s national convention held on Saturday, May 9, with delegates also agreeing that the party’s 2031 presidential ticket would be reserved for the north.
The motion was moved by Afam Victor and seconded by Seyi Sowumi before it received the approval of party delegates at the convention.
Speaking during the gathering, Kwankwaso described the zoning arrangement as a move capable of strengthening national unity and ensuring fairness in the country’s leadership structure.
“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.
“We shall work in abidance with the party’s agreement to ensure fairness and federal character in all ramifications.”
The former governor said Nigeria was grappling with worsening economic hardship and insecurity, which he attributed to poor governance and ineffective leadership.
“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.
“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.”
Kwankwaso also reflected on Nigeria’s political history, citing past alliances that he said helped preserve national cohesion during critical periods in the country’s development.
He referenced collaborations involving Aminu Kano’s Northern Elements Progressive Union and Nnamdi Azikiwe’s National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons in the 1950s, alongside other political alliances that shaped Nigeria’s post-independence politics.
According to him, the NDC is committed to promoting leadership free from ethnic and religious bias.
“The leadership standard we shall set will therefore restore Nigeria’s dignity and will guarantee that our citizens at home and the diaspora will be treated with respect and dignity,” he said.
Kwankwaso further urged Nigerians to obtain their voter cards and actively participate in the democratic process ahead of future elections.
