NDC backs South zoning for presidency, cites national healing

Kano‑born politician Rabiu Kwankwaso, a senior member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), publicly endorsed the party’s decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South during the NDC national convention on Saturday. Speaking to delegates, the former governor of Kano State said the zoning arrangement allows the southern region to complete its constitutional “turn” in producing a president, a move he described as essential for national cohesion. Kwankwaso stressed that the decision creates “a true opportunity for national healing” and pledged to uphold the party’s commitment to fairness and the principle of federal character in every aspect of the electoral process. “The leadership standard we shall set will therefore restore Nigeria’s dignity and will guarantee that our citizens at home and in the diaspora will be treated with respect and dignity,” Kwankwaso said. He called on party supporters and the broader electorate to register with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and to join the NDC, framing participation as a contribution to a “noble cause.” The NDC’s zoning policy follows a long‑standing, albeit informal, power‑sharing arrangement that rotates the presidency among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The party’s recent resolution, adopted at the convention, confirms that the South will field the presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, after the North has produced the previous two heads of state under the NDC banner. Kwankwaso’s endorsement reflects the party’s broader strategy to consolidate internal unity ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle. By aligning senior leaders with the zoning decision, the NDC aims to pre‑empt factional disputes that have historically plagued Nigerian political parties during candidate selection. The party’s statement emphasized that adherence to the zoning agreement will safeguard “federal character” and ensure equitable representation for all regions. The NDC, founded in 2018, has positioned itself as a centrist alternative to the country’s dominant parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Its 2023 performance saw it win a modest number of legislative seats, and party officials now view the zoning decision as a means to broaden its appeal across the country’s diverse ethnic and regional constituencies. As the 2027 elections approach, the NDC’s focus will shift to candidate screening, grassroots mobilisation, and voter registration drives. Kwankwaso urged Nigerians to register with INEC promptly, noting that voter participation is critical to the party’s success and to the broader goal of national reconciliation. The endorsement by Kwankwaso, a figure with significant political influence in the North, signals the NDC’s attempt to present a united front despite regional sensitivities. Observers will watch how the party’s zoning policy influences intra‑party dynamics and whether it can translate into broader electoral support in the upcoming presidential contest.