Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has endorsed the decision of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria, describing the move as a step toward fairness, reconciliation, and national unity.
Speaking at the party’s national convention in Abuja on Saturday, Kwankwaso said Nigeria’s political history has repeatedly shown that strategic regional alliances and power-sharing arrangements are essential for national stability and inclusive governance.
According to him, some of the country’s most significant political milestones were achieved through cross-regional cooperation.
He cited the 1954 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, as an example of political partnership aimed at promoting unity.
NCNC-NPC coalition
Kwankwaso also referenced the 1960 coalition between the NCNC and the Northern People’s Congress (NPC), which played a major role in Nigeria’s independence, as well as the Second Republic alliance between Shehu Shagari and Alex Ekwueme under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), which he said helped strengthen civilian rule after years of military dictatorship.
“It is with a great sense of unity and solidarity that I support the decision to zone the presidential ticket of the NDC to the South, so the region can complete its turn in producing national leadership,” he stated.
Kwankwaso further said the zoning arrangement reflects the party’s commitment to fairness, federal character, and inclusive leadership.
He added that the NDC intends to promote governance free from ethnic and religious bias.
The NDC had earlier announced during its convention that its 2027 presidential ticket would be reserved for Southern Nigeria for a single four-year term, while the North would produce the party’s candidate in 2031.
Many have understood this to have paved way for former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi to emerge as the party’s presidential candidate, with Kwankwaso being considered as a possible running mate ahead of the 2027 elections.
