Former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed support for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)’s decision to zone its presidential ticket to the South, saying the region must complete its eight-year turn.
Kwankwaso made the remarks while delivering his address at the NDC National Convention in Abuja on Saturday.
He noted that since joining the party alongside his associates, numerous stakeholders, millions of supporters, and well-meaning Nigerians, the NDC has continued to attract quality members and spark enthusiastic conversations among citizens and observers both at home and abroad.
“What began as a bold movement is steadily becoming a formidable platform for national renewal. Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. The world is undergoing a profound geopolitical shift, yet our nation has been caught unprepared, largely because of poor leadership. Instead of positioning Nigeria to seize emerging opportunities, bad governance has left us bearing the brunt of global changes.
“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. 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 stated.
Kwankwaso referenced Nigeria’s history, stating that during the country’s most challenging moments, visionary alliances had often provided a way forward.
He recalled that in 1954, a historic partnership was formed between the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), led by Aminu Kano, and the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), led by Nnamdi Azikiwe, to promote national unity.
The former Minister of Defence also noted that in 1960, against steep odds, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe’s National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) formed a coalition with the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) to secure Nigeria’s independence.
“In the Second Republic, the alliance between Shehu Shagari and Alex Ekwueme under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) helped restore civilian rule and national unity after years of military dictatorship,” he added.
“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.”
Kwankwaso emphasised that zoning the presidency to the South represents an opportunity for national healing, adding that members of the NDC would work in line with the party’s agreement to ensure fairness and federal character in all ramifications.
He pledged that the party would change the way governance is practised by prioritising leadership free from ethnic jingoism and religious favouritism.
Kwankwaso further assured that the leadership standard set by the NDC would restore Nigeria’s dignity and guarantee that Nigerians at home and in the diaspora are treated with respect.
He added that this could only be achieved through continuous mobilisation, urging Nigerians to register with INEC to vote and join the NDC in what he described as a noble cause.
