2027: No Individual Can Decide for North, Kwankwasiyya Replies Modu Sheriff on Obi

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has dismissed comments credited to a former governor of Borno State, 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 by its Spokesperson, Habibu Sale Mohammed Mailemo, 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.

“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 statement read.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement cited the 2023 presidential election as proof that voters across the region exercised 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 served democracy nor promoted national unity, but rather deepened divisions at a time when Nigerians expect leaders to address urgent national challenges.