Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State, has declared support for the decision by the Nigeria Democratic Congress to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to southern Nigeria.
The decision was announced during the party’s national convention on Saturday, May 9, where delegates also agreed that the party’s 2031 presidential ticket would be zoned to the north.
The motion was reportedly moved by Afam Victor and seconded by Seyi Sowumi before it was adopted by the party. Speaking at the convention, Kwankwaso described the zoning arrangement as an opportunity to strengthen national unity and promote fairness in leadership rotation.
“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. “We shall work in abidance with the party’s agreement to ensure fairness and federal character in all ramifications.”
Kwankwaso said Nigeria was currently facing serious economic and security challenges, which he blamed on 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 said. “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.”
The former governor also reflected on Nigeria’s political history, highlighting past alliances that he said helped maintain national cohesion during key moments in the country’s development.
He referenced political partnerships involving Aminu Kano’s Northern Elements Progressive Union and Nnamdi Azikiwe’s National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons in the 1950s, as well as later alliances that shaped Nigeria’s post independence politics.
Kwankwaso said the NDC intended to promote leadership free from what he described as 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.
He also urged Nigerians to register to vote and participate actively in the political process ahead of future elections.
