Former Rabiu Kwankwaso has endorsed the Nigeria Democratic Congress decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria, describing the move as necessary for national healing and political balance.
Kwankwaso made his position known while addressing delegates at the party’s national convention on Saturday in Abuja.
The former Kano State governor said the zoning arrangement reflects fairness and aligns with Nigeria’s historical political partnerships between the northern and southern regions.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Kwankwaso also used the occasion to criticise the current state of governance in Nigeria, saying the country is facing severe economic and security challenges.
According to him, Nigeria is currently at a critical crossroads and requires urgent leadership reforms.
“Instead of positioning Nigeria to seize emerging opportunities, bad governance has left us bearing the brunt of global changes,” he stated.
He lamented worsening insecurity, economic hardship, displacement of citizens, declining investments, poor infrastructure, and challenges within the education sector.
“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,” he added.
Kwankwaso, however, expressed confidence that the NDC can offer a different direction for the country if entrusted with power.
“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.
The party had earlier resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria for a single four-year term, with a commitment to automatically return the ticket to Northern Nigeria in 2031.
The decision is expected to strengthen the chances of southern aspirants, including former Peter Obi.
What You Should Know
Kwankwaso’s endorsement of the NDC’s southern zoning arrangement is politically significant because it signals northern elite backing for the party’s power-sharing formula.
His support could help stabilise internal party unity and broaden national acceptance of the arrangement. The proposal for a single four-year southern presidency followed by an automatic northern return in 2031 reflects efforts to balance regional interests ahead of the 2027 election.
The move may also reshape opposition alliances and influence how other political parties approach zoning.
