Former Borno State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Ali Modu Sheriff, says he does not believe former Anambra State governor Peter Obi stands any chance of securing Northern votes in the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on Channels Television‘s Politics Today programme on Monday, Sheriff also defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s handling of security and expressed confidence that the APC would retain power in the next general election.
Sheriff says Obi cannot win Northern support
Sheriff dismissed concerns about Obi’s political prospects, insisting that Northern voters would not support the former Labour Party presidential candidate.
“I am not worried about Peter Obi because I know Northerners will never vote for him,” he said.
When reminded that Obi secured significant votes in Plateau and Nasarawa states during the 2023 presidential election, Sheriff maintained that political realities had changed.
He further alleged that while serving as governor of Anambra State, Obi “chased Northerners out of Anambra State.”
The former governor also claimed that supporters of former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso were opposed to any political alliance between Kwankwaso and Obi.
According to Sheriff, people in Kano have told Kwankwaso they would continue supporting his presidential ambition but would not back him if he aligned politically with Obi.
Sheriff defends Tinubu over insecurity
Sheriff also rejected Obi’s criticism of the Tinubu administration over Nigeria’s security situation.
Obi has repeatedly argued that President Tinubu should leave office if he cannot guarantee the safety of Nigerians.
Responding, Sheriff said insecurity predates the current administration and should not be blamed solely on Tinubu.
“We should not simply condemn the President because there is insecurity in Nigeria,” he said.
He added that the administration should be judged based on its reforms, including efforts to promote state policing.
Says Atiku should wait until 2031
Sheriff also dismissed the chances of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is expected to contest the 2027 presidential election on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) platform.
According to him, the presidency should remain in Southern Nigeria until 2031 in line with the country’s power-sharing understanding.
He noted that former President Muhammadu Buhari completed eight years in office, making it the South’s turn to produce the president.
Although he described Atiku as a respected and qualified leader, Sheriff said the former vice president should wait until 2031 before seeking the presidency again….See More
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