Sheriff Dismisses Peter Obi’s 2027 Prospects
A former governor of Borno State and senior member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ali Modu Sheriff, has ruled out any realistic chance of former Anambra State governor Peter Obi winning the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Sheriff also defended President Bola Tinubu’s handling of security issues and expressed confidence that the APC would retain power in 2027.
Obi, who finished third in the 2023 presidential poll with over six million votes on the Labour Party ticket, is expected to run again in 2027 under the banner of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
Sheriff said he is not concerned about Obi’s candidacy, asserting that Northerners will never vote for him.
When reminded that Obi secured notable support in Plateau and Nasarawa states during the last election, Sheriff insisted the political landscape has shifted.
He claimed that, while serving as governor, Obi expelled Northerners from Anambra State, a move that has altered Northern perceptions of him.
The former governor added that supporters of ex‑Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso are opposed to any alliance between Kwankwaso and Obi, telling Kwankwaso they will back him only if he runs solo.
Sheriff also rebutted Obi’s criticism of Tinubu over insecurity, arguing that the current security challenges did not begin with the present administration.
He urged Nigerians to judge the government on its reforms, including the push for state police, rather than condemning the president solely because of insecurity.
On the possibility of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar contesting in 2027 under the APC, Sheriff dismissed the idea, stating that the North’s turn for the presidency will not come until 2031.
He referenced a post‑civil war agreement on regional rotation, noting that after President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight‑year term, it is now the South’s turn to hold the office.
Sheriff concluded by expressing confidence that President Tinubu will secure a second term in 2027, but warned that the APC will not take victory for granted and will continue to campaign vigorously.
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