Kwankwaso Fires Back at Ali Modu Sheriff, Affirms Peter Obi’s Northern Support

• Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has rejected Ali Modu Sheriff’s claim that Peter Obi lacks political support in Northern Nigeria, insisting the Labour Party candidate remains a formidable force in the region.

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 has little political support in Northern Nigeria.

Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement published on his official page on July 7, 2026, in response to comments made by Sheriff during an interview on Channels Television.

The former Kano State governor argued that Sheriff’s assessment does not reflect the political reality in the North, noting that Obi secured approximately 2.8 million votes across the region during the 2023 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 also maintained that growing dissatisfaction with the performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration, combined with the inclusion of a Northern candidate on the “OK” presidential ticket, has strengthened the alliance’s prospects ahead of the 2027 elections.

Responding to Sheriff’s claim that Kano voters would not support Obi, Kwankwaso said the people of the state have consistently backed 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.

Kwankwaso also urged Sheriff to focus on addressing the security and humanitarian challenges confronting Borno State, rather than making what he described as divisive political statements.

According to him, the “OK” ticket represents an opportunity for Nigerians to reset the country through leadership built on competence, unity and national progress.