Former Governor of Kano State and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed claims by former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff that Peter Obi lacks electoral strength in Northern Nigeria.
In a statement posted on X in the early hours of Wednesday, Kwankwaso expressed disappointment over Sheriff’s recent interview on Channels Television, saying the comments did not reflect the political reality in the North.
He argued that Obi’s performance in the last presidential election demonstrated significant support across the region, noting that the former Labour Party presidential candidate secured about 2.8 million votes in Northern Nigeria during his first presidential bid.
Kwankwaso described the figure as a remarkable achievement that should not be dismissed, adding that the current economic hardship and social challenges facing Nigerians have further strengthened the prospects of what he described as the “OK ticket.”
According to him, the alliance has also been strengthened by the inclusion of a prominent Northern political figure who previously garnered about 1.45 million votes in the region, thereby boosting its chances ahead of future elections.
The former Kano governor also rejected Sheriff’s claim that Kano voters would not support Peter Obi, insisting that the people of the state have consistently backed candidates endorsed by the Kwankwasiyya Movement, irrespective of ethnic or regional background.
Kwankwaso maintained that Kano residents are not driven by ethnic or religious sentiments but by their confidence in the Kwankwasiyya Movement and its leadership.
He further advised Sheriff to focus on addressing the security and humanitarian challenges confronting his home state rather than making what he described as divisive political remarks.
Kwankwaso concluded by saying the “OK ticket” represents the best opportunity to unite Nigerians, restore competent leadership and place the country on the path of progress.
