Kwankwasiyya Defends NDC’s Southern Zoning of 2027 Presidency, Cites National Unity Agenda

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has defended the decision by the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria, describing it as a political move rooted in national unity and trust-building.

The clarification was made by the movement’s National Coordinator, Habeeb Saleh, during an interview on Arise TV on Monday.

The statement comes amid rising political activity within the NDC following its growing alliance with prominent opposition figures, including former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

According to Saleh, the zoning arrangement reflects the party’s belief in a united Nigeria where political decisions are guided by stability, inclusion and national interest rather than regional advantage.

He explained that the decision to zone the presidency to the South was taken to strengthen trust among Nigerians and ensure that all regions feel represented within the party structure.

“Zoning the NDC presidency to the South is a product of believing in one Nigeria,” he said.

Saleh added that political decisions within the party are being shaped by the need to maintain balance and avoid divisions that could weaken national cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He stressed that Nigerians must have confidence that the NDC and its leaders are committed to prioritising the country’s interests above personal or sectional ambitions.

The zoning debate is already generating wider political discussion, especially as the NDC continues to position itself as a major opposition platform ahead of the next election cycle.

Political observers say the arrangement could influence internal negotiations within the party as it works to consolidate support from different regions and political blocs.

For now, the Kwankwasiyya Movement insists the zoning decision is not about exclusion but about building a broader sense of unity in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.