Rabiu Kwankwaso, a leader in the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has said that the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’adua triggered confusion over Nigeria’s power rotation arrangement between the North and South.
Read more: Kwankwaso: Yar’adua’s Death Sparked Zoning Uncertainty, Influenced APC NegotiationsSpeaking during an interview on Arise TV, Kwankwaso argued that awarding the 2027 presidential ticket to the South is the clearest way to resolve the ongoing uncertainty around the zoning formula. We believe the best path forward is to take it to the South so we can put an end to the confusion that started with the passing of our brother and friend, Umar Musa Yar’adua. That event brought confusion into the system, Kwankwaso stated.
The former Kano State governor explained that Yar’Adua’s death in 2010, while still in office, had a lasting impact on power sharing. Yar’adua, a northerner, was succeeded by his deputy, Goodluck Jonathan from the South, who completed the term and later won the presidency in 2011.
Kwankwaso acknowledged that the zoning issue is subject to different interpretations, depending on where one begins the count. “One can argue that from 1999 to date, the South has had more years than the North. But it depends on your perspective, he said.
He further explained that the NDC has chosen to count from the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, marking the conclusion of eight years of northern rule. By this logic, the next presidency should go to the South.
“Counting from Buhari, anyone from the South would say the North has had its turn, and the South is just starting. In another year, it will be four years for the South,” Kwankwaso said.
On the decision to zone the 2027 ticket to the South, Kwankwaso pointed out that northern members who joined the NDC unanimously supported the move, prioritizing party unity over prolonged zoning debates.
Almost all of us from the North agreed. There’s no point in fighting,” he remarked, noting that the zoning argument was distracting from more urgent concerns about Nigeria’s leadership.
What matters now isn’t whether the president comes from the North or South. What’s important is having quality leadership—people who are dedicated, enthusiastic, and committed to giving Nigeria the leadership it deserves, he concluded.
On APC Negotiations: No Deal, Only Talks
Kwankwaso also addressed his discussions with the All Progressives Congress (APC), clarifying that no agreement was reached. He dismissed rumors, emphasizing there was never a formal deal with the APC.
These are just rumors, Kwankwaso said. As a group, we decided to talk to everyone. We were open to discussions, but there was never an agreement with the APC. If they had agreed to work with us, we would have brought in our manifesto and everything.
He stressed that the NDC, unlike the APC, was interested in building a coalition that truly serves the people, not just forming alliances for political gain. We cannot just join anyone for the sake of it and risk compromising our values, Kwankwaso stated, reiterating that the NDC’s focus is on meaningful political change, not just party politics.
