Kwankwaso has stated that Northern Leaders have chosen to reconcile with South-East and called for national unity.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the presidential running mate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has said Northern leaders have resolved to reconcile with the South-East, stressing the need for forgiveness and national unity.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Igbo, the former Kano State governor said the North and South-East have a long history of political cooperation, citing alliances formed during Nigeria’s First and Second Republics.
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Kwankwaso recalled that the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) worked closely with the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC), led by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, while leaders of the Second Republic also maintained strong political ties with the South-East.
According to him, the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970 paved the way for reconciliation, with Northern leaders embracing the spirit of unity rather than division.
“We have to forgive ourselves and work together as one family. The South-East has been our ally and friend over the years,” he said.
He noted that former Vice President Dr. Alex Ekwueme enjoyed broad support from Northern political leaders, describing him as a trusted ally whose relationship with the region endured throughout his lifetime.
Kwankwaso also recalled that the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) facilitated the return of former Biafran leader, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, from exile after the civil war, allowing him to contest for political office despite leading the defunct Biafra during the conflict.
“For those who have forgotten, let me remind them that the NPN, a Northern party, invited Ojukwu to return. He came back, contested for the Senate and lost, but our leaders chose forgiveness and decided to move the country forward,” he said.
The former governor emphasized that the renewed relationship between the North and the South-East should not be interpreted as hostility towards any other region.
“We can’t remain in one country and continue fighting. We need the spirit of forgiveness. I am happy that we in the North have decided to return to history and work with the South-East. That does not mean we are against the South-West or any other zone. We are all friends,” he added.
Kwankwaso further cautioned against politics based on religion or regional divisions, insisting that Nigeria’s progress depends on unity, mutual respect, and inclusive leadership.
