The 2027 vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has advocated renewed political cooperation between Northern Nigeria and the South-East, describing the relationship between the two regions as a historic alliance that should be revived in the interest of national unity and political stability.
Kwankwaso made the remarks during an interview with BBC Igbo, published on the broadcaster’s Facebook page on Wednesday, where he stressed the need for reconciliation, forgiveness, and inclusive politics as Nigeria prepares for another election cycle.
The former Kano State governor said the country’s political history demonstrates that collaboration across regional and ethnic lines has always played a crucial role in nation-building.
According to him, Nigerians must move beyond past divisions and embrace a spirit of unity.
“We have to forgive ourselves. We have to work together as a family. The South-East has been our ally and our friends over the years,” Kwankwaso said.
He pointed to historical political alliances that existed shortly after Nigeria’s independence, noting that leaders of the First Republic successfully built partnerships that transcended regional interests.
Kwankwaso recalled that the Northern People’s Congress (NPC), regarded as the dominant political party in Northern Nigeria during the First Republic, formed a strategic alliance with the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC), led by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
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According to him, the collaboration between the two parties contributed significantly to governance during that era and remains an example of the benefits of political inclusiveness.
“During our own time, or the time of our fathers and grandfathers in politics in the First Republic, you could see the NPC, which was mainly a northern political party, had an alliance with the NCNC, headed by Nnamdi Azikiwe,” he stated.
Kwankwaso also referenced the Second Republic, saying similar cooperation continued under the administration of former President Shehu Shagari, whose National Party of Nigeria (NPN) maintained strong political relationships with leaders and politicians from the South-East.
He argued that these historical partnerships demonstrate that Nigeria’s diversity should be viewed as strength rather than a source of political division.
The former governor urged political leaders and citizens alike to promote reconciliation and national integration, saying lasting peace and development can only be achieved through mutual trust and cooperation among the country’s various regions.
His comments come amid ongoing political realignments and consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political actors across the country exploring new alliances capable of reshaping Nigeria’s electoral landscape.