2027 Presidency: Kwankwaso Backs Southern Zoning, Defends Coalition Push

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the former Governor of Kano State, is backing a power-sharing deal to field a Southern candidate for the 2027 presidency.

In an interview with Arise TV, monitored by Persecondnews, Kwankwaso explained that the move is part of a coalition strategy to strengthen political stability and streamline the transition process through consensus.

“My support was driven by both principle and political realism. “Maybe all of the above, we are very happy that we are loyal party members wherever we find ourselves,” he said.

He explained that the decision followed a joint assessment of Nigeria’s political realities and long-standing zoning debates.

“Right from the one we sat down together, we looked at the situation on the ground in this country and we decided to take some major decisions including zoning the presidency to the South for four years.”

Kwankwaso said the arrangement was also aimed at reducing recurring political tensions linked to succession controversies.

“The best way to go now is to take it to the South so that we can eliminate confusion that emanated from the death of our brother Umar Musa Yar’Adua,” he asserted.

He confirmed willingness to abide by party decisions, including a possible joint ticket arrangement with Labour Party’s Peter Obi.

“If the party decides that I should be running mate to any candidate from the South under this circumstance, I will be happy to work together with him,” he said.

Kwankwaso maintained that the coalition is anchored on shared leadership expectations rather than regional calculations.

“I cannot remember any better combination. Nigerians will be happy about it,” he noted.

He also said the opposition realignment reflects growing public frustration over insecurity and economic hardship.

“There is need to have solid and credible leadership that will come to stop all these evils that are happening, especially insecurity,” he pointed out.

Kwankwaso added that Nigerians are increasingly prioritising performance over identity politics.

“Each and every individual in this country has one issue or the other to demand for change ranging from the economic to insecurity. people are looking for vibrant people,” he said.

He dismissed concerns over internal rivalry within the opposition, insisting that political differences remain within democratic boundaries.

“I have no issue with that. I have no grudge against him or any politician for that matter.”

Kwankwaso said the coalition’s challenge is to translate public dissatisfaction into a credible electoral alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.