Kwankwasiyya movement faults Ali Modu Sheriff over comments on Peter Obi

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has criticised former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, over his remarks suggesting that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has no meaningful political future in Northern Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Dr Habibu Sale Mohammed, the movement described Sherif’s comments as disappointing, arguing that they underestimated the ability of Northern voters to make independent political decisions.

The movement said no individual has the authority to determine the political direction of the North, stressing that the region is home to diverse political opinions and aspirations.

According to the statement, Northern voters have consistently demonstrated their independence and cannot be dictated to by what it described as “self-appointed political gatekeepers”.

The group also cited its National Leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as saying that the outcome of the 2023 presidential election had already disproved claims that certain candidates could not attract support across regional lines.

It maintained that the votes recorded across Northern Nigeria reflected the constitutional right of citizens to freely support candidates of their choice.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement warned that attempts to reinterpret the political realities of previous elections would neither strengthen democracy nor promote national unity, but could instead deepen political divisions.

It urged political leaders to focus on issues affecting Nigerians, including the rising cost of living, insecurity, youth unemployment, declining purchasing power, education and healthcare, rather than making sweeping statements about the political preferences of entire regions.

The movement further stated that political leadership should be determined by ideas, credibility, performance and the confidence of the electorate, rather than public pronouncements or claims of regional political ownership.

As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, the group called on political actors to promote civility, respect democratic competition and avoid statements capable of inflaming regional or political tensions.

It reaffirmed its commitment to defending democratic values, constitutional rights and the principle that every Nigerian, regardless of region, ethnicity, religion or political affiliation, has the right to seek elective office and support the candidate of their choice.

“The future of Nigeria will be decided by the Nigerian people, not by political gatekeepers,” the statement concluded.