Former Kano State Governor and 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has endorsed the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria.
Kwankwaso declared his support on Saturday at the NDC national convention in Abuja, describing the move as a step toward fairness, equity, and national inclusion.
“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.
Adding that the arrangement “presents a true opportunity for national healing and genuine nation-building”.
The NDC formally adopted the zoning resolution at its convention, allocating the 2027 ticket to the South for a single four-year term, with the ticket returning to the North in 2031.
The motion was moved by Afam Victor Ogene, lawmaker representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency.
Kwankwaso said Nigeria was facing one of its most difficult periods due to poor governance, insecurity, and economic decline. He cited widespread displacement, collapsing infrastructure, and a struggling education system as signs of leadership failure.
The former defence minister urged Nigerians to register with the party and participate in preparations for the 2027 elections. He also called for broad national alliances similar to those that shaped Nigeria’s First Republic.
The zoning decision is expected to boost the chances of southern aspirants, including former Anambra Governor Peter Obi, who also attended the convention. Obi and Kwankwaso formally joined the NDC earlier this month after leaving the ADC coalition.
NDC National Leader and former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson said the party had secured INEC registration in February 2026 and accused the ruling establishment of shrinking democratic space.
Political observers say the zoning arrangement is part of a broader strategy by the NDC to position itself as a stable opposition platform ahead of 2027.
