Kwankwaso
Picnews
…Urges Nigerians to Embrace Forgiveness, Unity and Inclusive Politics
Former Kano State Governor and Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has declared that the North and South-East regions of Nigeria are not adversaries but partners with a shared history and strong ties that should continue to be strengthened.
Kwankwaso made the remarks in an interview with BBC Igbo, where he emphasised the need for reconciliation, unity and mutual understanding among Nigeria’s various regions, particularly between the North and South-East.
He stressed that the country’s political history has shown that leaders from both regions have, at different times, worked together for national progress despite past disagreements.
“We have to forgive ourselves. We have to work together as a family. The South-East has been our ally and our friends over the years,” Kwankwaso said.
The former Minister recalled political alliances during Nigeria’s First Republic, citing the partnership between the Northern People’s Congress (NPC), a predominantly northern political party, and the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC), led by prominent nationalist leader, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
He also referenced the political cooperation witnessed during the Second Republic, when leaders including former President Shehu Shagari and other members of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) worked closely with politicians from the South-East.
According to Kwankwaso, Nigeria’s founding political leaders demonstrated wisdom by prioritising national unity and reconciliation after the civil war, which ended in 1970.
He noted that when democracy returned in 1979, political leaders chose the path of inclusion by bringing citizens from all regions together, rather than continuing divisions created by the conflict.
He highlighted the emergence of Dr. Alex Ekwueme, an indigene of Anambra State, as Vice President under the Shehu Shagari administration as an example of northern and eastern political cooperation.
Kwankwaso described Ekwueme as a respected friend of the North, recalling his attendance at the former Vice President’s burial in Oko, Anambra State.
“I went to Oko, his hometown, during Alex Ekwueme’s burial. Throughout his life, he was our friend. It was only that democracy was interrupted,” he said.
The NDC vice presidential candidate also recalled the return of former Biafran leader, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, from exile and his involvement in Nigeria’s political process during the Second Republic.
He explained that despite Ojukwu’s role during the civil war, political leaders at the time chose forgiveness and reconciliation by welcoming him back into national politics.
According to him, Ojukwu contested for a Senate seat after his return, demonstrating the willingness of leaders to move beyond past conflicts and rebuild trust.
Kwankwaso urged Nigerians to reject divisive politics based on ethnicity, religion or regional differences, stressing that the country’s future depends on unity and cooperation among all groups.
“We cannot be in the same country and start fighting. We must have the spirit of forgiveness, whoever offended the other. It depends on who is telling the story,” he stated.
He added that the decision by northern leaders to strengthen ties with the South-East should not be interpreted as hostility towards other regions, noting that all parts of Nigeria remain important partners in nation-building.
“We are all friends. You cannot play politics in this country alone based on Muslims, Christians, North or South. At this level, we must think beyond such divisions,” Kwankwaso said.
Kwankwaso, who is from Kano State in northern Nigeria, is the running mate to former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, an indigene of the South-East, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
