The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has criticised former Borno State Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, over his comments on the electoral prospects of NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi in Northern Nigeria.
Kwankwaso, who is the vice-presidential candidate on the NDC’s “OK” ticket for the 2027 general election, described Sheriff’s remarks during a Channels Television interview as disappointing and divisive.
In a statement shared on his official social media platforms on Tuesday, Kwankwaso said he had expected Sheriff to offer more constructive views after a prolonged absence from public discourse.
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“I watched with disappointment the recent interview granted by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff to Channels Television on Monday.
“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,” he said.
Kwankwaso faulted Sheriff’s claim that Obi could not command significant support in Northern Nigeria, noting that the former Anambra State governor had already demonstrated substantial electoral strength in the region.
According to him, Obi secured about 2.8 million votes across Northern Nigeria during the 2023 presidential election, a performance he said could not be dismissed.
He added that the current economic challenges facing the country, public dissatisfaction with the APC-led administration and the inclusion of a strong Northern figure on the NDC ticket have further strengthened the alliance’s electoral prospects.
“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 who previously garnered 1.45 million votes in the region, the OK ticket remains a formidable force in Northern politics,” he stated.
Kwankwaso also rejected Sheriff’s assertion that the people of Kano would not support Obi, insisting that Kano voters are known for embracing credible leadership irrespective of ethnic or religious considerations.
“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 State governor urged Sheriff to focus on addressing the security and humanitarian challenges confronting Borno State rather than making what he described as divisive political comments.
“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,” he added.
Kwankwaso maintained that the NDC’s “OK” ticket offers Nigerians the best opportunity to reposition the country through competent leadership, national unity and sustainable development ahead of the 2027 general election.
