Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso Fires Back at Ali Modu Sheriff Over Peter Obi, Says Northern Support Is Strong and Kano Will Decide

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso Fires Back at Ali Modu Sheriff Over Peter Obi, Says Northern Support Is Strong and Kano Will Decide

Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (RMK), has strongly criticized former Borno State Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, over comments questioning Peter Obi's popularity in Northern Nigeria.

Reacting to Sheriff’s interview on Channels Television on Monday, Kwankwaso expressed disappointment, saying he expected the former governor’s time away from public discourse to have brought greater reflection and sound judgment.

According to Kwankwaso, Sheriff’s claim that Peter Obi cannot attract significant support in the North is inaccurate and fails to reflect political realities.

He pointed out that Obi secured approximately 2.8 million votes across Northern Nigeria during the 2023 presidential election, describing the figure as a significant political achievement that cannot be ignored.

Kwankwaso further argued that the current economic hardship, rising insecurity, and widespread dissatisfaction with the APC-led Federal Government have reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the next general election.

He also maintained that the proposed "OK Ticket" would be a formidable force in the North, especially with the inclusion of a prominent Northern political figure who previously attracted about 1.45 million votes in the region.

Addressing Sheriff’s claim that Kano voters would reject Peter Obi, Kwankwaso dismissed the assertion, insisting that the people of Kano are not driven by ethnic or religious bias.

He said Kano residents have consistently demonstrated loyalty to the Kwankwasiyya movement and would support any credible presidential ticket presented under its platform.

Kwankwaso also urged Sheriff to focus on the pressing challenges confronting his home state of Borno, particularly the worsening insecurity and humanitarian crisis, rather than making what he described as divisive political statements on national television.

He concluded by stating that the "OK Ticket" represents the strongest opportunity for Nigerians to rebuild the country, restore competent leadership, promote national unity, and deliver meaningful progress.

Kwankwaso’s response comes amid increasing political realignments and growing debate over the strength of opposition parties ahead of Nigeria’s next presidential election.