“It’s Time for the South to Lead” – Kwankwaso Backs NDC’s Zoning Plan for 2027.

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano, has thrown his weight behind the decision to zone the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential ticket to the south for the 2027 elections.

The party made it official during its national convention on Saturday, announcing that the south would produce its 2027 presidential candidate, while the north would take the turn in 2031. The motion was moved by Afam Victor and seconded by Seyi Sowumi.

Speaking at the event, Kwankwaso described the zoning arrangement as “a true opportunity for national healing” and promised to respect the party’s commitment to fairness and the federal character principle.

“As a loyal party member, I support the decision to zone the presidential ticket to the south, so that the region can complete its turn in producing national leadership,” he said. “We will work according to the party’s agreement to ensure fairness and federal character in every way.”

Kwankwaso didn’t hold back in his assessment of the country’s situation. He said Nigeria is at a “critical crossroads,” blaming the current hardships on poor leadership and bad governance. He pointed to rising insecurity, economic pain, and crumbling public services as evidence that life has gotten tougher for ordinary Nigerians.

“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 took a stroll down memory lane, recalling past political alliances that helped hold Nigeria together. He mentioned the 1954 alliance between Aminu Kano’s NEPU and Nnamdi Azikiwe’s NCNC, as well as the NCNC-NPC coalition that led to independence in 1960. He also noted how the Shehu Shagari–Alex Ekwueme partnership under the NPN in the Second Republic helped restore civilian rule and national unity.

Looking ahead, Kwankwaso said the NDC would offer leadership free from “ethnic jingoism and religious favouritism.”

“The leadership standard we shall set will restore Nigeria’s dignity and ensure that our citizens at home and in the diaspora are treated with respect,” he said. “We can only achieve that by continuing to mobilise people to register with INEC to vote, and to join the NDC in this noble cause. Please register, today.”