Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State and chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, says his supporters received no reward after helping Muhammadu Buhari secure victory in 2015. He also argued that the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’adua in 2010 created lasting confusion over Nigeria’s zoning arrangement, insisting that the presidency should be zoned to the South in 2027.
Kwankwaso said he mobilized nearly 1.9 million votes for Buhari in Kano but neither he nor his supporters benefited politically from the administration that followed. He added that Yar’adua’s death disrupted the North-South rotation formula, as Goodluck Jonathan from the South completed Yar’adua’s term and later won in 2011. According to him, the NDC resolved to begin zoning calculations from Buhari’s eight years in office, meaning the South should hold the presidency in 2027 to balance the arrangement.
He stressed that northern leaders in the NDC accepted the southern zoning decision without opposition, prioritizing unity over prolonged debate. Kwankwaso also emphasized that Nigeria’s priority should be competent leadership, not just regional representation.
Kwankwaso, a two-term governor of Kano State and former senator, has built a reputation as a grassroots mobilizer. He defected from the African Democratic Congress in May 2026 alongside Peter Obi, joining the NDC to strengthen its national appeal. Known for his “Kwankwasiyya” movement, he has long been a significant figure in northern politics, often positioning himself as a bridge between regional interests and national unity.
Reactions to his remarks have been mixed across platforms. Supporters praised his candor, saying he voiced frustrations felt by many who backed Buhari in 2015 but felt sidelined. Critics accused him of revisiting old grievances to gain political leverage ahead of 2027. On social media, some users applauded his call for southern zoning as a step toward fairness, while others argued that competence should outweigh regional considerations. Political analysts noted that his comments reflect ongoing negotiations within opposition parties about zoning and candidate selection as the next presidential contest approaches.
