Kwankwaso supports NDC’s southern zoning for president, sees it as healing path

Former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has thrown his weight behind the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)’s decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria, describing the move as a bold step toward fairness, unity and national healing.

The party announced the decision during its national convention in Abuja on Saturday, stating that its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election will emerge from the South. Under the arrangement, the South will hold the presidency for a single four-year term before the ticket rotates to the North in 2031.

In a statement posted on X shortly after the convention, Kwankwaso said the decision reflects the party’s commitment to justice and the principle of federal character, noting that it would allow the South to complete its turn in producing Nigeria’s leadership.

“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, so that it allows the region to complete its turn in producing national leadership,” he said.

“This represents a true opportunity for national healing. We shall work in accordance with the party’s agreement to ensure fairness and federal character in all ramifications.”

Kwankwaso also used the occasion to deliver a sharp critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, arguing that poor leadership has left Nigeria struggling under mounting economic hardship and insecurity.

According to him, the country is missing opportunities created by global geopolitical shifts while citizens contend with worsening living conditions, displacement, declining investment and a failing education system.

“Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads,” he said. “The world is undergoing a profound geopolitical shift, yet our nation has been caught unprepared, largely because of poor leadership.”

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He added that insecurity had created widows and orphans across the country, forced millions from their homes and driven away investment, while difficult economic policies were introduced without adequate relief measures.

Referencing historic political alliances in 1954, 1960 and during the Second Republic, Kwankwaso said the NDC intends to build a new political culture based on competence rather than ethnic and religious considerations.

“This party shall ensure to change the way things are done today by prioritising leadership without ethnic jingoism and religious favouritism,” he said.

He pledged that the NDC would set a new leadership standard capable of restoring dignity and confidence in governance, and urged Nigerians to register and vote for the party in the 2027 general election.

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