Vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has firmly rejected claims by former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff that Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi lacks substantial political backing in Northern Nigeria. In a statement released on July 7, 2026, Kwankwaso responded to Sheriff’s comments made during an interview with Channels Television on Monday, asserting that the remarks do not reflect the true political landscape in the North.
Kwankwaso emphasized that Peter Obi received approximately 2.8 million votes across Northern Nigeria in the previous presidential election, a figure he described as a significant achievement for a candidate making his first presidential run. He argued that this level of support demonstrates strong grassroots appeal and cannot be dismissed as insignificant. The former Kano State governor maintained that the growing dissatisfaction with the performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration further strengthens the political momentum behind the “OK” presidential ticket.
He also dismissed Sheriff’s assertion that Kano voters would not support Obi, pointing out that residents of Kano have historically shown loyalty to candidates endorsed by the Kwankwasiyya movement. “The good people of Kano are neither bigoted nor xenophobic,” Kwankwaso stated. “They have consistently demonstrated strong trust in the Kwankwasiyya movement and will support any credible ticket presented under its banner.” This, he added, underscores the potential for broad-based support for the “OK” alliance in the North.
Kwankwaso urged Sheriff to shift focus from political commentary to addressing the pressing security and humanitarian crises in Borno State. He stressed that the “OK” ticket represents a critical opportunity for Nigerians to reset the nation’s trajectory, prioritizing competence, unity, and progress. By uniting diverse political and regional interests, Kwankwaso believes the alliance can offer a credible alternative to the current administration.
The exchange highlights the intensifying political discourse ahead of the upcoming elections, with key figures from different parties making strategic appeals to Northern voters. Kwankwaso’s response not only defends Obi’s credibility in the North but also reinforces the NDC’s position as a unifying force within the broader opposition coalition. As the campaign season advances, such statements are likely to shape voter perceptions and influence political dynamics across the region.
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