Kwankwaso camp faults Sheriff’s claims on Obi’s northern support

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, has dismissed claims by Ali Modu Sheriff that Peter Obi lacks significant political support in Northern Nigeria, insisting that the opposition’s “OK ticket” remains a strong electoral force in the region.

In a statement signed with the initials “RMK,” Kwankwaso expressed disappointment over Sheriff’s recent interview on Channels Television, where the former Borno State governor argued that Obi could not attract substantial votes from the North.

Kwankwaso said Sheriff’s assessment was inconsistent with the outcome of the 2023 presidential election, noting that Obi secured about 2.8 million votes across Northern Nigeria during his first presidential bid.

He argued that the current economic challenges facing the country, growing public dissatisfaction with the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration, and the addition of a prominent Northern political figure who previously polled about 1.45 million votes in the region have further strengthened the prospects of the “OK ticket.”

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Kwankwaso also rejected Sheriff’s claim that Kano voters would not support Obi, describing the assertion as unfounded.
According to him, the people of Kano have consistently demonstrated loyalty to the Kwankwasiyya movement and would support any credible presidential ticket presented under its platform.

He maintained that Kano residents are neither bigoted nor xenophobic, adding that the state’s voting pattern has historically reflected confidence in candidates and movements they consider credible.

Kwankwaso further urged Sheriff to focus on addressing the security and humanitarian challenges confronting his home state rather than making what he described as divisive political comments during national television appearances.
He said the “OK ticket” offers Nigerians an opportunity to reposition the country on the path of competence, national unity and sustainable progress ahead of the next general election.