Kwankwaso counters Sheriff, says Obi commands strong northern support

Vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed claims by former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, that Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi lacks significant political support in Northern Nigeria.

Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement posted on his official page on July 7, 2026, in response to comments made by Sheriff during an interview on Channels Television on Monday.

The former Kano State governor said Sheriff’s assessment did not reflect the political reality in the North, insisting that Obi demonstrated considerable electoral strength in the region during the last presidential election.

According to Kwankwaso, Obi secured about 2.8 million votes across Northern Nigeria in his first presidential contest, describing the performance as a significant political achievement.

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“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,” he said.

Kwankwaso also argued that growing dissatisfaction with the administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC), coupled with the inclusion of a Northern figure on the “OK” presidential ticket, had strengthened the alliance’s prospects in the region.

Responding to Sheriff’s assertion that Kano voters would not support Obi, Kwankwaso maintained that the people of the state have consistently backed candidates endorsed 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.

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

Kwankwaso added that the “OK” presidential ticket presents Nigerians with an opportunity to reset the country by promoting competence, unity and national progress.