2027 Elections: Kwankwaso Says North Ready to Work With South-East, Calls for National Unity

 As political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential running mate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has called for national unity, saying the North has resolved to strengthen political cooperation with the South-East.

Speaking during an interview with BBC Igbo, the former Kano State governor emphasized that Nigeria's future depends on forgiveness, reconciliation, and inclusive politics rather than regional or religious divisions.

2027 Elections: Kwankwaso Says North Ready to Work With South-East, Calls for National Unity 

North and South-East Should Work Together

Kwankwaso said the lessons of Nigeria's political history show that cooperation between the North and South-East has always been beneficial to the country.

According to him, leaders of previous generations understood the importance of building bridges across regional lines, even after the Nigerian Civil War ended in 1970.

"We have to forgive ourselves and work together as one family. The South-East has been our ally and friend over the years," Kwankwaso said.

He stressed that the North's renewed willingness to collaborate with the South-East should not be interpreted as hostility toward any other region.

"That does not mean that we are fighting the South-West or any zone in this country. We are all friends."

Kwankwaso Reflects on Nigeria's Political History

The former governor recalled several moments in Nigeria's history where Northern and South-Eastern leaders worked together despite political differences.

He pointed to the alliance between the Northern People's Congress (NPC) and the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC) led by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe during the First Republic.

Kwankwaso also highlighted the Second Republic, noting that former President Shehu Shagari maintained strong political ties with the South-East, leading to the emergence of the late Dr. Alex Ekwueme as Nigeria's Vice President.

He described Ekwueme as a respected national figure whose contributions strengthened relationships across regional boundaries.

2027 Elections: Kwankwaso Says North Ready to Work With South-East, Calls for National Unity 

Ojukwu's Return Shows Importance of Reconciliation

Kwankwaso further cited the return of former Biafran leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu as an example of reconciliation after the civil war.

According to him, despite Ojukwu's role during the conflict, Northern political leaders welcomed him back into national politics, allowing him to contest for public office after returning from exile.

He said this demonstrated that Nigeria's leaders had chosen unity over division.

"Our leaders decided to forgive themselves and forge ahead."

2027 Elections: Call for Issue-Based Politics

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Kwankwaso urged politicians to move beyond campaigns centered on religion, ethnicity, or regional identity.

He argued that Nigerians should focus on national development and peaceful coexistence instead of divisive narratives.

"You can't play politics of Muslim-Christian, North or South, not at this level."

He maintained that forgiveness and cooperation remain essential for Nigeria's political stability and long-term progress.

Political Implications Ahead of 2027

Kwankwaso's comments come as political parties continue consultations and coalition talks ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

His remarks are expected to fuel discussions about regional alliances, power-sharing, and the role of national unity in shaping Nigeria's next political landscape.