By Tekena Amieyeofori
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has faulted ex-Borno Governor Ali Modu Sheriff for saying Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has little political support in Northern Nigeria.
Kwankwaso made the response in a statement posted on his official page on July 7, 2026, following an interview Sheriff granted Channels Television on Monday.
The former Kano governor said Sheriff’s assessment does not match the reality on ground in the North. He pointed to Obi’s performance in the last presidential election, noting that the LP candidate pulled about 2.8 million votes from the region.
Kwankwaso argued that with rising discontent over the APC administration and with a Northerner now on the “OK” joint ticket, the alliance still commands serious influence in the North.
“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 said.
He also dismissed Sheriff’s claim that Kano voters would reject Obi. According to him, the people of Kano have repeatedly shown confidence in candidates backed 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 stated.
Kwankwaso urged Sheriff to redirect attention to the security and humanitarian crises in Borno rather than engage in what he called divisive political remarks. He added that the “OK” ticket gives Nigerians a chance to reset the country and advance competence, unity and progress.