Former Borno State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Ali Modu Sheriff has declared that Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, will not secure Northern votes if he contests the 2027 presidential election. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, July 6, Sheriff also defended President Bola Tinubu's handling of security challenges and assessed the prospects of other leading politicians ahead of the next general election.
Sheriff: Northerners Will Never Vote for Obi
Sheriff expressed strong confidence that Obi would fail to win the North. 'I am not worried about Peter Obi because I know Northerners will never vote for him,' he said. When reminded that Obi received significant votes in Plateau and Nasarawa states during the 2023 election, Sheriff argued that circumstances have changed. He also alleged that Obi 'chased Northerners out of Anambra State' while serving as governor. Obi finished third in the 2023 presidential election with over six million votes and is widely expected to run again in 2027.
Sheriff on Kwankwaso and Atiku
Sheriff also commented on former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, noting that Kano residents have told Kwankwaso they will support him if he runs for president but will withdraw support if he aligns with Obi. 'They have always supported him and will continue to do so if he contests for president, but they will not support him if he aligns with Peter Obi,' Sheriff said.
Regarding former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is expected to seek the presidency on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) platform, Sheriff dismissed his chances, citing Nigeria's informal power rotation. 'For Atiku, this is not the North's turn,' he said, adding that Atiku is qualified but should wait until 2031, as former President Muhammadu Buhari, a Northerner, already completed eight years. Sheriff also expressed belief that President Tinubu will win a second term in 2027, though he stressed the APC must continue campaigning.
Sheriff Defends Tinubu on Insecurity
The APC chieftain responded to Obi's repeated criticism of President Tinubu over insecurity, arguing that insecurity did not begin under Tinubu's administration. 'We should not simply condemn the President because there is insecurity in Nigeria,' Sheriff said. He noted that the federal government's efforts to introduce state policing should be considered when assessing Tinubu's response.
Earlier, the Presidency dismissed concerns over Obi's 2027 chances, with presidential aide Sunday Dare stating that the Tinubu administration remains confident due to its performance. Dare argued that government policies and achievements would strengthen Tinubu's re-election bid and criticized Obi's public comments as lacking clarity.
