NIGERIA— Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) and running mate to Peter Obi for the 2027 general elections, has strongly rebutted recent remarks by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, describing them as divisive and poorly considered.
In a strongly worded statement, Kwankwaso expressed disappointment over Sheriff’s interview on Channels Television on Monday, during which the former Borno State governor claimed that Peter Obi lacks significant support in Northern Nigeria and that the people of Kano would not vote for him.
“I watched with disappointment the recent interview granted by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff,” Kwankwaso 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.”
Challenging Sheriff’s Assessment
Kwankwaso challenged Sheriff’s assessment, pointing to Obi’s performance in the 2023 presidential election, in which he secured approximately 2.8 million votes across Northern Nigeria. He argued that the addition of a strong Northern figure like himself—who previously garnered 1.45 million votes in the region—combined with widespread dissatisfaction over the APC administration’s handling of the country’s economic and social challenges, makes the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) ticket a formidable political force.
“Given the current national hardships, the widespread consensus on the failure of the APC administration, and the addition of a strong Northern figure to the ticket… the OK ticket remains a formidable force in Northern politics,” he stated.
Defending Kano’s Reputation
Addressing Sheriff’s comments on Kano specifically, Kwankwaso declared: “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 also advised Sheriff to focus on the pressing challenges facing his home state rather than making divisive public remarks.
“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.”
The OK Ticket as Best Opportunity
Kwankwaso concluded by presenting the OK ticket as the best opportunity for Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections.
“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.”
The exchange highlights the early political positioning and growing tensions as parties prepare for the 2027 presidential election. Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and an influential figure in Northern politics through the Kwankwasiyya movement, is expected to play a key role in mobilising support for the ticket across the region.
