2027: Kwankwaso downplays Modu’s Sheriff’s remarks on Obi’s northern popularity
Kwankwaso Rejects Claims of Northern Voter Apathy Toward Obi
Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice presidential candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has countered assertions made by former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, who claimed that northern voters would not support Peter Obi in the upcoming 2027 presidential election.
During an interview on Channels Television on Monday, Kwankwaso addressed Sheriff’s comments, which suggested that Obi lacks electoral appeal in northern Nigeria.
“The remarks appear to be more about gaining favor with the Presidency rather than an accurate reflection of the political landscape,” said Kwankwaso. He criticized Sheriff for his lack of seriousness, asserting that the former governor’s statements were intended to impress those in power rather than to convey genuine political insights.
In discussing his own political standing, Kwankwaso refuted Sheriff’s assessment of the political dynamics in Kano State, maintaining that his influence remains significant. “Even opponents acknowledge my stronghold in Kano. However, what he suggested is that the state is divided. I prefer to let my actions speak for themselves,” he stated.
Kwankwaso emphasized that the political environment in Kano and broader northern Nigeria does not align with Sheriff’s portrayal. “The political mood here is distinctly different from what he suggested,” he added.
The former Kano State governor pointed to Obi’s demonstrated electoral strength in the North, referencing the Labour Party candidate’s performance in the 2023 presidential election. “Obi is not new to northern voters. He previously ran alongside Atiku Abubakar, and in his own candidacy, he garnered over two million votes in the North—an impressive figure by any measure,” Kwankwaso remarked.
He concluded by asserting that Obi continues to be a significant political figure in various regions, noting, “In many parts of northern Nigeria, Peter remains a formidable candidate, and those who voted for him last time are still here.”
