Kwankwaso Calls for Unity Between North and South‑East
Former Kano State governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice‑presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso has stressed that the North and the South‑East are not enemies. Speaking at a recent forum, he urged Northerners to forgive past grievances and treat the South‑East as a long‑standing ally.
Historical Alliances Cited
Kwankwaso pointed to the First Republic, when the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) formed an alliance with the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC), led by Nnamdi Azikiwe. He noted that this cooperation set a precedent for cross‑regional collaboration.
He also recalled the Second Republic, citing how leaders such as Shehu Shagari and members of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) worked alongside South‑East politicians, even campaigning in states like Anambra.
Lessons from the Civil War and Beyond
Reflecting on the Nigerian Civil War, which ended in 1970, Kwankwaso observed that the return to democracy in 1978‑1979 was marked by a deliberate effort to prove former foes were not enemies. He highlighted how the First Republic leaders brought Alex Ekwueme, a South‑East figure, into the vice‑presidential office as a symbol of unity.
The former minister also mentioned the return of Biafran leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu from exile, noting that the NPN invited him to re‑enter politics despite his past role. This gesture, according to Kwankwaso, exemplified the leadership’s willingness to forgive and move forward.
A Plea for Nationwide Politics
Kwankwaso warned against politics rooted in ethnic or religious divisions, insisting that sustainable governance requires cooperation across all zones. “You can’t play politics in this country alone — whether it’s based on religion, region, or ethnicity,” he stated, urging leaders to prioritize national interest over sectional sentiments.
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