By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Former Borno State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Ali Modu Sheriff, on Monday declared that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, would not win the 2027 presidential election because, according to him, Northern voters would not support his ambition. Sheriff made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he also defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s handling of insecurity, rejected former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential bid, and predicted Tinubu’s victory in the next general election.
Sheriff Dismisses Peter Obi’s 2027 Presidential Bid
Sheriff said he remains unconcerned about Obi’s renewed presidential ambition despite his strong showing in the 2023 election.
Obi, who secured more than six million votes and finished third in the last presidential election, is reportedly preparing to contest the 2027 election under the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
However, Sheriff insisted that the North would not back Obi’s candidacy.
“I am not worried about Peter Obi at all because I know that Northerners will never vote for Peter Obi,” Sheriff said.
When reminded that Obi won significant votes in states such as Nasarawa and Plateau during the 2023 election, Sheriff argued that political realities had changed.
He also alleged that Obi drove Northerners out of Anambra State during his tenure as governor.
“The situation is different now. Peter Obi, when he was governor, chased all the Northerners out of Anambra State,” Sheriff alleged.
APC Chieftain Defends Tinubu Over Insecurity
Sheriff also defended President Bola Tinubu against criticism over Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
Obi has repeatedly criticised the President’s handling of insecurity and urged him to resign if he cannot protect Nigerians.
In response, Sheriff argued that Tinubu remains committed to tackling the country’s security challenges.
“We don’t just go and be condemning the president because there is insecurity in Nigeria,” he said.
He added that insecurity predates Tinubu’s administration and should not be blamed solely on the current government.
Sheriff also pointed to Tinubu’s support for state police as proof of the administration’s efforts to improve security across the country.
Sheriff Says It Is Still the South’s Turn
The former Borno governor also dismissed the presidential ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
According to him, the North recognises that it is still the South’s turn to produce Nigeria’s president.
Sheriff said political leaders reached a regional understanding after the Nigerian Civil War to maintain balance in presidential power.
“After the civil war, our leaders agreed that there should no longer be this situation in Nigeria. There is a regional agreement,” he said.
He noted that former President Muhammadu Buhari completed eight years in office, making it appropriate for the South to retain the presidency.
“If Atiku wants to be president, he can wait. He is a leader in Northern Nigeria and eminently qualified, but it is not our time now. He has to wait till 2031,” Sheriff stated.
Kano Politics and Kwankwaso
Sheriff further claimed that many political stakeholders in Kano had conveyed a similar position to former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
According to him, Kano voters remain willing to support Kwankwaso for president. However, they would not support any alliance between him and Peter Obi.
“This is what Kano people are telling Kwankwaso now. We always supported you and we will support you if you run for president, but we will not support you to go with Peter Obi,” he said.
Sheriff Predicts Tinubu’s Victory in 2027
Despite expressing confidence in President Tinubu’s chances, Sheriff said the APC would not become complacent.
Instead, he stressed that the ruling party would continue working hard to secure victory in the 2027 presidential election.
He maintained that Tinubu remains the strongest candidate and expressed confidence that Nigerians would return him to office for a second term.
