2027: No Individual Can Decide For North, Kwankwasiyya Replies Sheriff Over Comments On Peter Obi

Kwankwasiyya rejects Ali Modu Sheriff’s remarks on Peter Obi, insisting Northern voters independently decide their political choices.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has dismissed comments credited to the former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, that Mr. Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the NDC, has no meaningful political future in Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Habibu Sale Mohammed Mailemo, on Wednesday, the movement said it received the remarks “with profound disappointment” alongside millions of Nigerians and freedom-loving Northerners.

The movement described the comments as unfounded and as reflecting a patronising view of Northern voters.

“These comments betray a view that millions of citizens are incapable of making independent political decisions without the approval of a few self-appointed political gatekeepers,” the statement read.

“Let it be stated unequivocally: no individual has the mandate to decide for the entire North. Northern Nigeria is home to diverse political opinions, aspirations, and convictions. Its electorate has repeatedly demonstrated that it cannot be reduced to stereotypes or dictated to by political elites.”

The Kwankwasiyya Movement cited the 2023 presidential election as proof that voters across the region exercise independent judgment.

“Our National Leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, correctly observed that the outcome of the 2023 presidential election clearly disproves the claim that any candidate is incapable of attracting support across regional boundaries. The votes cast across Northern Nigeria reflected the constitutional freedom of citizens to support candidates of their choice,” it said.

It added that attempts to “rewrite this political reality” neither serve democracy nor promote national unity, but rather deepen divisions at a time when Nigerians expect leaders to address urgent national challenges.

“Today, the average Nigerian is worried about the rising cost of living, widespread insecurity, youth unemployment, declining purchasing power, the state of education, and access to quality healthcare. These are the issues deserving of serious political engagement — not narratives that seek to define the political choices of millions of voters,” the statement said.

The group maintained that leadership is earned through ideas, credibility, performance and public trust, “not through media declarations or claims of regional ownership.”

With political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gathering momentum, Kwankwasiyya urged politicians to embrace civility and respect democratic competition.

“Democracy thrives when citizens are free to choose, and when political parties compete on the strength of their ideas and records. History has shown that Nigerians are increasingly independent in their political judgment. No amount of rhetoric can substitute for the verdict of the ballot box,” it stated.

The movement reaffirmed its commitment to defending democratic values and constitutional rights.