Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has backed the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, while hinting that Peter Obi now stands as the likely candidate.
Kwankwaso Defends Southern Zoning
Kwankwaso said the party took the decision to restore balance and end confusion over power rotation after the death of former President Umar Musa Yar’Adua.
However, he said northern members accepted the move for unity and party strength. He added that the presidency should return to the North after four years.
According to him, party members remain loyal to the zoning formula and are ready to work with it ahead of the 2027 election.
Obi Emerges as Likely Candidate
Meanwhile, Kwankwaso strongly suggested that Obi now has the clearest path to the NDC ticket because of the zoning arrangement.
He also declared readiness to serve as running mate to any southern candidate chosen by the party. Consequently, this raises the possibility of an Obi-Kwankwaso alliance.
Kwankwaso said he sees no better combination capable of fixing Nigeria and insisted both men can work well together.
Nigerians Want Results, Not Region
Furthermore, he said many Nigerians no longer care about tribe, religion, height, or region. He argued that voters now want leaders who can solve hardship, insecurity, and poor infrastructure.
He stressed that worsening conditions in both North and South have changed voter priorities. In response, he urged Nigerians to judge candidates by competence.
Security, INEC and 2027 Push
Kwankwaso said Nigerian soldiers are trained and ready, but political will remains the missing link in the fight against insecurity.
He stated that he and Obi have agreed to tackle insecurity directly if elected. Meanwhile, he urged Nigerians to register with INEC, vote wisely, and defend their votes.
Atiku, ADC and Future Alliances
Kwankwaso dismissed rumours of personal fights with Atiku Abubakar. He said he left ADC because of internal party problems, not grudges.
He also said future cooperation with Atiku and other opposition figures remains possible. Consequently, more realignments may happen before 2027.
