In a move aimed at fostering national cohesion, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the former Governor of Kano State, has formally declared his support for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria.
The endorsement was delivered during the party’s national convention on Saturday, following a landmark resolution to rotate the presidency. The motion for zoning, moved by Afam Victor and seconded by Seyi Sowumi, stipulates that the NDC presidential ticket be reserved for the South in 2027, with a subsequent shift to the North in 2031.
Addressing the assembly, Senator Kwankwaso described the arrangement as a “true opportunity for national healing.” He emphasised his commitment to the principles of fairness and the federal character, pledging to abide by the party’s collective decision.
“It is therefore with a 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,” Senator Kwankwaso stated. “This allows the region to complete its turn in producing national leadership. We shall work in abidance with the party’s agreement to ensure fairness and federal character in all ramifications.”
The former Governor did not mince words regarding the current state of the Federation, asserting that Nigeria stands at a “critical crossroads” due to protracted periods of poor leadership and mal-governance. He highlighted the escalating humanitarian crisis, noting that insecurity has left a trail of widows and orphans while displacing millions from their ancestral homes.
Senator Kwankwaso further lamented the nation’s economic decline, citing: Capital Flight: The exodus of investments due to unstable conditions. Systemic Collapse: The neglect of critical infrastructure and a failing educational system. Economic Hardship: The imposition of “harsh economic policies” without adequate safety nets for the vulnerable.
In a scholarly reflection on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Kwankwaso traced the history of strategic alliances that preserved national unity. He cited the 1954 partnership between Mallam Aminu Kano’s Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe’s National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), as well as the NCNC-NPC coalition that ushered in independence in 1960.
He further referenced the Shagari-Ekwueme ticket of the Second Republic under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) as a quintessential example of regional cooperation that restored civilian rule and national cohesion.
Looking ahead to 2027, the Senator assured that the NDC would prioritise a leadership model devoid of “ethnic jingoism and religious favouritism.” He promised that the party would set a standard of governance intended to restore the dignity of Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.
Concluding his address, the former Governor issued a clarion call to the citizenry for active political participation. “We can only achieve [our goals] by continuing to mobilise to register with INEC to vote, and the NDC to belong to this noble cause. Please register today,” he urged.
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