Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called for a renewed political alliance between the North and the South-East ahead of the 2027 general election. The former Kano State governor described the relationship as rooted in decades of shared political history and urged leaders and citizens across the regions to rebuild trust and cooperation.
Kwankwaso Cites Post-Civil War Reconciliation
Speaking during an interview with BBC Igbo, published on the broadcaster's Facebook page on Wednesday, Kwankwaso referenced the post-Civil War era as evidence that Nigerian leaders had previously shown the capacity for reconciliation. He specifically cited the return of the late Biafran leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, from exile as a defining example of that spirit.
“The NPN, a mainly northern party, had to invite Ojukwu to come back. He came back, contested for a Senate seat and lost. But despite the fact that he was the leader of Biafra at that particular time, our leaders decided to forgive themselves and forge ahead,” Kwankwaso said.
He called on Nigerians to look past past grievances and work together, adding that blame alone could not determine the path forward. “We cannot be in the same country and start fighting. We have to have the spirit of forgiveness, whoever offended the other. It depends on who is giving the story,” he added.
Alliance Not Hostile to Other Regions
Kwankwaso was clear that reaching out to the South-East was not an act of hostility towards any other region. He described all zones of the country as allies and argued that successful politics in Nigeria required broad coalitions that cut across religious and regional lines.
“We are so happy that we in the North have decided to go back to history to work with the Southeast. That's not to say we are fighting the South-West or any zone in this country. No, we are all friends. You can't play politics in this country alone, politics of Muslims, or Christians, or North, or South, not at this level,” Kwankwaso stated.
He also appealed directly for a renewal of the bonds between both regions, saying: “We have to forgive ourselves. We have to work together as a family. South-East has been our ally, our friends, over the years.”
Kwankwaso and Peter Obi Formalize 2027 Pact
The comments come as the NDC ramps up its preparations for the 2027 general election. Kwankwaso is running as deputy to the party's presidential candidate, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi. Senator Kwankwaso stated that he and Peter Obi have signed a formal agreement over their 2027 presidential ambitions. The deal reportedly limits Obi to a single presidential term if their joint ticket wins the 2027 general elections in Nigeria. Senator Kwankwaso confirmed that he plans to run for the presidency himself in 2031 under the arrangement.
Kwankwaso Criticizes Tinubu's Muslim-Muslim Ticket
Meanwhile, Kwankwaso said he was surprised President Bola Tinubu chose to retain a same-faith ticket for the 2027 presidential election. The NDC vice-presidential candidate said the Muslim-Muslim arrangement would remain a significant factor in the next election. Kwankwaso also defended the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance and pushed back on claims that Peter Obi lacks northern support.
