The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed claims by former Ali Modu Sheriff that Peter Obi lacks significant political support in Northern Nigeria, insisting that the former Anambra State governor remains a formidable political force across the region.
Kwankwaso made the assertion in a statement posted on his official social media page on Wednesday while reacting to Sheriff's recent remarks during a media interview in which the former Borno State governor questioned Obi's electoral prospects in the North ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
According to Kwankwaso, available electoral records from the last presidential election contradict Sheriff's position, noting that Obi secured about 2.8 million votes across Northern Nigeria during his first presidential contest.
"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 stated.
He argued that the growing dissatisfaction with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, coupled with the emergence of a Northern running mate on the "OK" presidential ticket, has further strengthened the alliance's acceptance across the region.
Kwankwaso also rejected Sheriff's claim that voters in Kano State would not support Obi, maintaining that the people of the state have consistently demonstrated loyalty to 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 said.
The former Kano governor urged Sheriff to channel his attention toward the security and humanitarian challenges confronting his home state instead of making what he described as divisive political comments capable of deepening national divisions.
He further maintained that the "OK" presidential ticket presents Nigerians with an opportunity to reposition the country through competent leadership, national unity and sustainable development.
The exchange between the two political figures follows Sheriff's recent assertion that Obi does not enjoy substantial political support in Northern Nigeria, a claim that has continued to generate reactions from political stakeholders as preparations gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election.
