Kwankwaso accuses Ali Modu Sheriff of attacking Peter Obi’s chances in the North to impress Tinubu, as 2027 political debate intensifies
Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso has criticised former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff over comments about Peter Obi’s chances in northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election, accusing him of making the remarks to gain favour with President Bola Tinubu.
Also read: Kogi Commissioner Explains Why Tinubu May Win 2027 Support
Kwankwaso, who is the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, rejected Sheriff’s claim that northern voters would not support Obi in the next presidential contest.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Kwankwaso said Sheriff’s assessment did not reflect the political reality in the region and questioned the motivation behind his comments.
The former Kano governor said he had a long-standing relationship with Sheriff and President Tinubu, dating back to their involvement in politics during the aborted Third Republic.
“My humble self, Ali Modu Sheriff and His Excellency Bola Tinubu were all in the aborted Third Republic. We know ourselves very well,” Kwankwaso said.
He added that despite their current political differences, he remained familiar with Sheriff’s views and believed his recent comments about Obi’s support base were not genuine.
“I know what he tells me, and I have heard him when he was here, but I can tell you he was not serious about it,” Kwankwaso said.
The former governor alleged that Sheriff’s remarks were aimed at creating a positive impression with the presidency.
“He just wanted to impress our brother in the Villa and convince him that he is working,” he added.
Sheriff had previously argued that Obi’s support in northern Nigeria would be limited during the 2027 presidential election, a position Kwankwaso strongly disputed.
The NDC vice-presidential candidate pointed to Obi’s performance in the 2023 election, noting that the former Anambra State governor secured more than two million votes from northern states despite not having the backing of the Kwankwasiyya political movement.
Kwankwaso also dismissed suggestions that his political influence in Kano had declined, insisting that his movement remained a major force in the state.
“Even the worst enemy would tell you Kwankwaso has Kano,” he said.
He added that underestimating his political strength often worked to his advantage.
“I feel happy when people underrate me because it sends people to sleep while you are working,” Kwankwaso said.
Also read: Kogi Commissioner Explains Why Tinubu May Win 2027 Support
The exchange comes as political alignments and debates intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with major political figures positioning themselves and their allies ahead of the contest.
