According to a report by Daily Post on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, Rabiu Kwankwaso, the presidential running mate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has said that political leaders in Northern Nigeria have resolved to forgive the South-East and strengthen cooperation with the region in the interest of national unity.
He stated that the decision reflects a commitment to promoting reconciliation and fostering a more united country through collaboration among the different regions.
Kwankwaso made the remarks during an interview with BBC Igbo, where he spoke about the importance of learning from Nigeria’s political history.
He explained that the country has previously witnessed periods when leaders from different regions worked together despite past disagreements, adding that such examples should serve as a guide for the present generation of political leaders.
While reflecting on historical events, the former Kano State governor pointed to the relationship between the late Biafran leader, Odumegwu Ojukwu, and Northern political interests after the civil war.
He also recalled the role played by the late former Vice President, Alex Ekwueme, noting that both men at different times aligned and worked with political parties that had strong Northern support.
According to Kwankwaso, the experiences of those leaders demonstrate that reconciliation and political cooperation are achievable when there is a shared commitment to the country’s progress.
He stressed that national development requires leaders from every part of Nigeria to move beyond divisions and focus on common goals that benefit all citizens.
He further stated that unity between the North and the South-East is essential for strengthening the country’s political and social stability.
Kwankwaso maintained that leaders across the regions should embrace dialogue, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence instead of allowing historical differences to shape present-day relationships.
The NDC vice-presidential candidate also emphasized the need for Nigerians to see themselves as members of one national family.
He said lasting peace and progress can only be achieved when political leaders and citizens alike promote forgiveness, cooperation, and collective responsibility in addressing the nation’s challenges.
He said, “We can’t be in the same country and start fighting, we need to have the spirit of forgiveness, so I’m happy that we in the North have decided to go back to history and work with the South-East….See More