Kwankwaso Rebukes Sheriff Over Claims on Peter Obi’s Northern Appeal

The Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has criticised former Borno State Governor Senator Ali Modu Sheriff for suggesting that Peter Obi cannot secure substantial support in Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 election.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Kwankwaso described Sheriff’s comments during a Channels Television interview on Monday as “disappointing.” He noted that after a prolonged absence from public discourse, one would have expected Sheriff’s judgment to improve, but that did not appear to be the case.

Kwankwaso argued that Sheriff wrongly positioned himself as a spokesperson for Northern voters. He reminded readers that in his first presidential ballot appearance, Peter Obi garnered approximately 2.8 million votes in the North—a figure that cannot be overlooked.

Prospects of the “OK Ticket” Amid National Hardship

The former presidential candidate added that prevailing economic difficulties and widespread dissatisfaction with the All Progressives Congress‑led Federal Government have bolstered the prospects of the proposed Obi‑Kwankwaso alliance, which he referred to as the “OK ticket.”

Kwankwaso pointed out that the addition of a strong Northern figure who previously secured 1.45 million votes in the region makes the OK ticket a formidable force in Northern politics.

Kano Voters and the Call for Responsible Discourse

Responding to Sheriff’s claim that Kano residents would not back Obi, Kwankwaso asserted that the people of Kano are neither bigoted nor xenophobic. He said they have consistently shown trust in the Kwankwasiyya movement and will support any credible ticket presented under its banner.

He urged Sheriff to focus on addressing the security and humanitarian challenges confronting Borno State rather than making divisive political remarks.

Kwankwaso concluded by stating that the OK ticket currently represents the best opportunity for Nigerians to reset the country and place it on a path of competence, unity, and progress.