Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, has dismissed claims by former Borno State governor Ali Modu Sheriff that Peter Obi lacks meaningful political support in Northern Nigeria, insisting that the proposed opposition “OK ticket” remains a potent force in the region ahead of the 2027 election.
In a statement signed with the initials “RMK,” Kwankwaso expressed disappointment over Sheriff’s recent appearance on Channels Television, where the former governor argued that Obi would struggle to secure substantial votes in the North and suggested that northern voters would not rally behind him in a future presidential contest. Kwankwaso said that position ignores both recent electoral realities and the current political mood across the region.
Kwankwaso argued that Sheriff’s assessment is inconsistent with the results of the 2023 presidential election, noting that Obi secured roughly 2.8 million votes across Northern Nigeria during his first presidential bid. He maintained that the political equation has shifted further since then, with worsening economic conditions, rising public frustration with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and the growing appeal of a broader opposition coalition likely to strengthen the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket rather than weaken it.
According to the Kwankwasiyya leader, the opposition ticket has gained additional weight from the influence of a major northern political figure who previously polled about 1.45 million votes in the region. He said that reality makes it inaccurate to suggest that Obi would be a weak candidate in the North, particularly if paired with a strong northern running mate or political ally. The statement framed the “OK ticket” as more than a symbolic alliance, describing it as a serious political platform capable of mobilising disenchanted voters across multiple regions of the country.
Kwankwaso also rejected Sheriff’s claim that Kano voters would not support Obi, calling the assertion unfounded and dismissive of the Kwankwasiyya movement’s influence in the state. He said the people of Kano have repeatedly shown loyalty to the movement and would support any credible presidential ticket presented under its platform. He added that Kano voters are not driven by ethnic or religious prejudice and have historically backed candidates and political movements they consider trustworthy and capable of delivering results.
Sheriff, an APC chieftain and former governor of Borno State, had argued during the television interview that Obi’s chances in the North remain weak and that the former Anambra governor would struggle to win support outside his southern base. His comments came amid growing speculation over a possible political alignment involving Obi and Kwankwaso as opposition figures continue to weigh coalition options ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
But Kwankwaso’s response suggests the debate is no longer only about Peter Obi’s individual popularity. It is increasingly about whether a broad opposition coalition can convert voter dissatisfaction with the Tinubu administration into a viable electoral platform with national reach. By defending Obi’s northern appeal and invoking Kano’s political strength, the Kwankwasiyya camp appears keen to project confidence that the North will remain central to any successful opposition strategy.
Kwankwaso also used the statement to urge Sheriff to focus more on the humanitarian and security challenges confronting Borno State and northern communities rather than making divisive political remarks on national television. He said the opposition alliance offers Nigerians a chance to reposition the country on the path of competence, unity and sustainable progress, and argued that the conversation ahead of 2027 should be about solutions to the country’s worsening economic and security problems rather than attempts to write off potential challengers before the campaign season has fully begun.
For now, the exchange highlights the intensifying battle over northern political influence as parties and power blocs begin to shape narratives around the next general election. While Sheriff insists Obi remains a weak contender in the region, the Kwankwaso camp says the numbers from 2023 and the current political climate suggest otherwise.