A former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has declared support for the zoning of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential ticket to the southern part of the country ahead of 2027.

The NDC, at a convention held in Abuja on Saturday, announced that its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election will emerge from Southern Nigeria.

It added that the region would retain the presidency for a single four-year term before the ticket rotates to the North in 2031.

In a statement posted on X shortly after the convention, Mr Kwankwaso described the decision as a true opportunity for national healing, adding that it would allow the region to complete its turn in producing national leadership.

He said, “It is therefore with a 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.

“This represents a true opportunity for true national healing. We shall work in accordance with the party’s agreement to ensure fairness and federal character in all ramifications.”

Mr Kwankwaso further decried economic hardship, insecurity, and other challenges under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, attributing them to poor governance. 

He said, “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.”

Citing major alliances between political parties in the country, especially in 1954, 1960 and the second republic, the politician said the NDC will prioritise leadership without ethnic jingoism and religious favouritism.

He added, “This party shall ensure to change the way things are done today by prioritising leadership without ethnic jingoism and religious favouritism.”

Mr Kwankwaso vowed that the NDC will set a leadership standard to restore dignity across the country, urging Nigerians to register and vote for the party in 2027.