By Sodiq Adelakun
Vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed claims by former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, that Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi lacks significant political support in Northern Nigeria.
Kwankwaso, in a statement posted on his official page on Tuesday, was reacting to comments made by Sheriff during an interview on Channels Television, where the former governor reportedly questioned Obi’s electoral strength in the North ahead of the 2027 general election.
The former Kano State governor described Sheriff’s remarks as inconsistent with the political realities in the region, noting that Obi secured about 2.8 million votes across Northern Nigeria during the last presidential election.
“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,” Kwankwaso said.
He argued that growing public dissatisfaction with the performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration, coupled with the emergence of a Northern figure on the “OK” presidential ticket, had strengthened the alliance’s prospects in the region.
Kwankwaso also dismissed Sheriff’s assertion that Kano voters would reject Obi, insisting that the people of the state have consistently supported candidates endorsed by the Kwankwasiyya movement.
“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 stated.
READ ALSO:2027: Presidency, APC mock Peter Obi after ADC exit, question credibility
He further urged Sheriff to concentrate on addressing the security and humanitarian challenges confronting Borno State rather than making what he described as divisive political comments.
According to Kwankwaso, the “OK” presidential ticket offers Nigerians an opportunity to reset the country’s political direction through leadership anchored on competence, unity and national progress.
The exchange adds to the growing political debate ahead of the 2027 general election as political parties and alliances intensify efforts to build support across the country’s geopolitical zones.
