Former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso has urged renewed political cooperation between Northern Nigeria and the South-East, emphasising historical alliances and the need for forgiveness to strengthen national unity.
In an interview, the 2027 vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress highlighted past partnerships between the regions. “We have to forgive ourselves. We have to work together as a family. South-East has been our ally, our friends, over the years,” he said.
Kwankwaso recalled alliances from the First Republic between the Northern People’s Congress and the National Council of Nigerian Citizens led by Nnamdi Azikiwe, and similar ties in the Second Republic under Shehu Shagari. He cited the inclusion of Alex Ekwueme as vice president and the return of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu from exile as examples of reconciliation after the Civil War.
“Our leaders decided to forgive themselves and forge ahead,” Kwankwaso stated, stressing that Nigeria cannot afford division. “We cannot be in the same country and start fighting. We have to have the spirit of forgiveness.”
He clarified that closer North-South East ties were not directed against other zones. Kwankwaso’s comments come as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
