Former governor of Kano Stat e, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has given reasons for declaring his support for the zoning of the presidential ticket of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to the south ahead of the 2027 elections.
At its national convention on Saturday, the opposition party zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the south and 2031 to the north, following a motion moved by Afam Victor and seconded by Seyi Sowumi.
In his speech at the event, Kwankwaso stated that the zoning arrangement represented “a true opportunity for national healing” and pledged to abide by the party’s agreement on fairness and federal character.
“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.
“We shall work in abidance with the party’s agreement to ensure fairness and federal character in all ramifications.”
Kwankwaso noted that Nigeria was at a “critical crossroads”, and blamed the country’s current challenges on poor leadership and bad governance.
“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,” said Kwankwaso.
Continuing, 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.”
He said the NDC would place priority on leadership devoid of “ethnic jingoism and religious favouritism”.
“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.
“Lastly, we can only achieve that by continuing to mobilise to register with INEC to vote, and the NDC to belong to this noble cause. Please register, today.”
