Former Kano State Governor and vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed claims by former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff that Peter Obi lacks widespread support in Northern Nigeria.
Kwankwaso's response followed comments made by Sheriff during an interview on Channels Television, where the former Borno governor reportedly argued that Obi could not command significant electoral support in the North ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Reacting in a statement on Wednesday, Kwankwaso described Sheriff's remarks as disappointing and questioned his authority to speak on behalf of northern voters.
"I watched with disappointment the recent interview granted by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff to Channels Television on Monday," he said.
"After a prolonged absence from public discourse, one would have expected that time away might have sharpened Senator Sheriff's judgment. Regrettably, that does not appear to be the case."
The former Kano governor argued that Obi's performance in the last presidential election contradicted Sheriff's claim, noting that the former Labour Party candidate secured about 2.8 million votes across Northern Nigeria.
"In the interview, the former governor claimed that Peter Obi cannot command sizeable support in Northern Nigeria. It is curious that he has appointed himself spokesperson for the Northern masses.
"For the record, in his first outing on the presidential ballot, Mr. Obi secured approximately 2.8 million votes in the region—a remarkable achievement that cannot be dismissed lightly," he said.
Kwankwaso further contended that worsening economic conditions and insecurity under the administration of President Bola Tinubu had created a stronger appetite for political change, which he said would benefit the NDC in 2027.
He also pointed to the inclusion of what he described as a strong northern figure on the party's ticket, saying the alliance had significantly boosted the coalition's electoral prospects in the region.
According to him, the "OK" ticket remains one of the strongest political platforms ahead of the next general election.
Kwankwaso also took issue with Sheriff's claim that voters in Kano would reject Obi, insisting that the people of the state have consistently demonstrated political maturity and would support any credible candidate backed by the Kwankwasiyya movement.
"Let me state clearly: the good people of Kano are neither bigoted nor xenophobic. They have consistently demonstrated strong trust in the Kwankwasiyya movement and will support any credible ticket presented under its banner," he said.
The former governor urged Sheriff to concentrate on the pressing security and humanitarian challenges confronting his home state instead of making comments he described as divisive.
"I respectfully advise Senator Sheriff that, in future national television appearances, he would do better to speak to the serious insecurity and humanitarian challenges facing his home state, rather than making divisive and poorly considered remarks," he stated.
Kwankwaso maintained that the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance offered Nigerians a credible alternative to the ruling government.
"The OK ticket currently represents the best opportunity for Nigerians to reset the country and place it on a path of competence, unity and progress," he said.
Leave a Reply