2027: Kwankwaso Fires Strong Message At NDC Convention — Full Speech Released

The convention, held in Abuja ahead of the 2027 general elections, also witnessed the party zoning its presidential ticket to the South.

Kwankwaso, who recently joined the NDC after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC), used the occasion to criticise the current state of governance and the worsening living conditions in the country.

According to him, Nigerians deserve better leadership and improved governance. He stressed that the NDC must present itself as a strong and credible alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.

Below is the full text of his speech:

“Fellow Nigerians,

It is with immense pleasure and a deep sense of fulfilment that I address you today on this historic occasion of the National Convention of our great party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in Abuja.

Since we joined this party, together with numerous stakeholders, millions of supporters, and well-meaning Nigerians, the NDC has continued to attract quality members and ignite enthusiastic conversations among citizens and observers both at home and abroad. What began as a bold movement is steadily becoming a formidable platform for national renewal.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. The world is undergoing a profound geopolitical shift, yet our nation has been caught unprepared, largely because of poor leadership. Instead of positioning Nigeria to seize emerging opportunities, bad governance has left us bearing the brunt of global changes.

We are witnessing a sharp decline in the quality of life. Insecurity has created widows and orphans across the land. Millions have been displaced from their homes. Investments are fleeing, critical infrastructure is neglected, the education system is collapsing, and harsh economic policies have been imposed on citizens without meaningful safety nets or relief.

Yet Nigeria’s history teaches us that in our most challenging moments, visionary alliances have provided the way forward. In 1954, a historic partnership was formed between the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), led by Aminu Kano, and the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), led by Nnamdi Azikiwe, to achieve national unity.

Again, in 1960, against steep odds, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe’s NCNC formed a coalition with the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) to secure our independence.

In the Second Republic, the alliance between Shehu Shagari and Alex Ekwueme under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) helped restore civilian rule and national unity after years of military dictatorship.

It is therefore with a great sense of unity and solidarity that, as a loyal party member, I support the decision to zone the presidential ticket of the NDC to the South, so that the region can complete its turn in producing national leadership.

This represents a genuine opportunity for national healing. We shall abide by the party’s agreement to ensure fairness and federal character in all ramifications.

This party will also change the current style of governance by promoting leadership free from ethnic jingoism and religious favouritism.

The leadership standard we intend to establish will restore Nigeria’s dignity and ensure that citizens at home and in the diaspora are treated with respect and honour.

Finally, we can only achieve this by continuing to mobilise Nigerians to register with INEC and become part of the NDC movement. Please register today.

Thank you.

Long Live the Nigeria Democratic Congress!

Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!