Politics
Top northern leader explains how Peter Obi will sweep Arewa votes
The presidential running mate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has criticised former Ali Modu Sheriff over comments questioning the popularity of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Northern Nigeria.
In a post on X, Kwankwaso expressed disappointment over Sheriff’s recent appearance on Channels Television, saying he had expected the former governor’s time away from the public spotlight to have improved his judgment.
Kwankwaso was reacting to Sheriff’s claim that Peter Obi could not command significant electoral support across Northern Nigeria. He argued that the former governor had no mandate to speak on behalf of the people of the region.
According to Kwankwaso, Obi demonstrated considerable strength in the North during his first presidential contest, securing about 2.8 million votes, a performance he described as too significant to be dismissed.
The former Kano State governor further maintained that the NDC’s “OK Ticket” remains a formidable political force in the North, citing the country’s current economic and security challenges, public dissatisfaction with the ruling administration, and the addition of what he described as a strong Northern candidate who previously secured about 1.45 million votes in the region.
Kwankwaso also rejected Sheriff’s assertion that voters in Kano State would not support Obi, insisting that the people of the state are neither bigoted nor xenophobic. He said Kano residents have consistently demonstrated confidence in the Kwankwasiyya movement and would support any credible presidential ticket presented under its platform.
He urged Sheriff to focus on addressing the insecurity and humanitarian challenges confronting his home state during future public engagements rather than making what he described as divisive remarks.
Kwankwaso concluded by reaffirming his confidence in the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket, describing it as the best opportunity for Nigerians to restore competent leadership, national unity and sustainable progress.