Former Governor of Kano State and member of the National Democratic Congress, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has stated that Nigeria’s political future should focus more on quality leadership than regional considerations, as debates continue over power rotation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Kwankwaso made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television on Monday, May 11, 2026, while discussing the zoning debate and the position adopted by the NDC.
Speaking on arguments surrounding the rotation of presidential power between the North and the South since 1999, Kwankwaso said differing interpretations have continued to shape political discussions across the country. “Even though, in a way, one can argue that from 1999 to date, the south has done more years than the north. That’s from 1999 to date, yes,” he said.
He added, “Yes, it depends on how it suits you. Yes, well, it didn’t work in the party. What worked now is counting from Buhari. Buhari, anybody from the south on that side of argument would say that I had eight years.” “And the south is now doing its first term. In the next one year or so, it will be four years. So the arguments are there,” he stated.
Kwankwaso said political actors should prioritize consensus instead of conflict over zoning arrangements. “I believe that it’s good for us to be having consensus. There is no point in fighting. And what is key now is not presidency from the north or from the south,” he said.
He added, “What is key is to have a quality leadership. People who are enthusiastic, who are determined and committed to give the country the leadership it deserves.”
The former governor stated that leadership quality, rather than regional origin, should remain the major consideration for Nigerians. “You see, by now, especially those of us in the political trenches, would tell you that it is not only the man from your end that would make the country move forward,” he said.
Kwankwaso also reflected on previous administrations, including that of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, saying, “We have seen what happened during Obasanjo. We are part of it. And we believe he has done his best.”
He referenced the late former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, stating, “From there, our brother, our friend, came in, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, our blessed memory, our issues, especially challenges of his health.”
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Kwankwaso also spoke about the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. “When Jonathan came, we had many issues, especially the agreement at that time that he would do one term. For whatever reason, things have decided to change. And many things happened along that direction,” he said.
The former governor further discussed his involvement in the emergence of former President Muhammadu Buhari, stating that political allies who contributed significantly were not adequately recognized afterward. “But what is even relevant is the Buhari administration. I worked so hard. I’m sure you remember we brought about 1.9, almost 2 million votes. But as politicians, we are not recognized,” he stated.
He added, “We worked. We put our lives even on the line that time. But unfortunately, we could not see any benefit, either as individuals or the constituencies that we represented.”
Kwankwaso said dissatisfaction with the current situation in the country has continued to drive support for the NDC. “Of course, thereafter, we have this administration again. Everybody knows there are issues. And therefore, people are determined at the grassroots level and even at the level we are operating now, that there should be some level of changes,” he said.
He added, “And that is why I’m sure the Nigerians, since we decided to join NDC, have decided to come and join us. And you could see what is happening almost everywhere in this country and even beyond. People are opening offices everywhere across the world. So we’re happy about that….See More
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