Former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has criticised former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff over comments questioning Peter Obi’s political influence in Northern Nigeria.
In a statement shared on his X account on Wednesday, Kwankwaso expressed disappointment with Sheriff’s recent television interview, arguing that his assessment of Obi’s electoral strength in the North did not reflect the political realities of the region.
Kwankwaso said he had expected Sheriff’s return to public discourse to offer more thoughtful analysis but claimed the former governor’s remarks fell short of expectations.
Responding to Sheriff’s assertion that Obi lacks substantial support in Northern Nigeria, Kwankwaso pointed out that the former Labour Party presidential candidate received about 2.8 million votes across the region during the 2023 presidential election.
He described the performance as a significant political achievement that should not be overlooked.
According to Kwankwaso, Nigeria’s current economic and social challenges, combined with what he described as the shortcomings of the present administration, have improved the electoral prospects of the “OK ticket.”
He also stated that the alliance had been further strengthened by the inclusion of a prominent Northern political figure who previously secured about 1.45 million votes in the region.
The former governor dismissed Sheriff’s claim that Kano voters would reject Obi, insisting that the people of the state have consistently supported candidates endorsed by the Kwankwasiyya Movement without regard to ethnicity or regional background.
Kwankwaso maintained that Kano residents have demonstrated political maturity over the years by voting based on confidence in leadership rather than ethnic or religious sentiments.
He also urged Sheriff to focus more attention on addressing the security and humanitarian challenges facing Borno State instead of making comments he described as divisive.
Kwankwaso concluded by saying the “OK ticket” offers Nigerians an opportunity to promote competent leadership, national unity and meaningful progress.
