Kwankwaso Defends Peter Obi’s Northern Support, Slams Ali Modu Sheriff
Former Kano State Governor and national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed recent claims questioning Peter Obi’s popularity in Northern Nigeria. Kwankwaso defends Peter Obi’s northern support, insisting that the former Labour Party presidential candidate enjoys significant backing across the region.
According to reports monitored by Valid9ja, Kwankwaso was reacting to comments made by former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, who reportedly suggested that Peter Obi lacks meaningful political support in the North.
Kwankwaso described the remarks as misleading, stressing that political realities in the country have changed and that many Nigerians, including those in the northern region, are open to new political alliances.
Kwankwaso Defends Peter Obi’s Northern Support
Speaking on the growing political discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections, Kwankwaso maintained that Obi commands respect among many northern voters.
He argued that anyone who closely follows Nigeria’s political landscape would understand that the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election built a considerable support base beyond the South-East.
According to him, dismissing Obi’s influence in Northern Nigeria ignores the enthusiasm demonstrated by many young voters and supporters across several states during the last election cycle.
Information obtained by Valid9ja shows that discussions about possible opposition alliances have continued to gain attention as political leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the next presidential contest.
Possible Strength of the ‘OK Ticket’
Kwankwaso also spoke about what many supporters have described as the “OK Ticket,” a phrase referring to a possible political partnership involving Obi and Kwankwaso.
Growing Speculation Ahead of 2027
Although no official alliance has been announced, conversations surrounding a potential collaboration between the two political figures have continued to dominate political discussions.
Supporters believe such an alliance could attract votes from different regions of the country by combining Obi’s popularity among urban youths with Kwankwaso’s established political structure, especially in Kano State and parts of Northern Nigeria.
Political observers, however, note that coalition talks remain speculative and that no formal agreement has been publicly confirmed by either camp.
Sheriff Maintains His Position
Ali Modu Sheriff had reportedly argued that Peter Obi’s political influence remains limited in Northern Nigeria, suggesting that electoral success in the region requires stronger grassroots structures than what the Labour Party demonstrated in the 2023 elections.
His comments sparked reactions from supporters of both Obi and Kwankwaso, with many taking to social media to debate the former governor’s assessment.
While some agreed that Northern political structures play a crucial role during presidential elections, others insisted that Obi recorded notable support across several northern states despite contesting under a relatively smaller political platform.
Political Alignments Begin to Take Shape
As preparations gradually begin for the 2027 elections, Nigeria’s political space has witnessed increasing conversations about possible mergers, alliances and coalition movements among opposition parties.
Analysts believe political leaders will continue engaging in consultations aimed at strengthening their chances against the ruling party before campaign activities officially begin.
Several prominent politicians have also called for broader cooperation among opposition groups, arguing that unity may improve their electoral prospects in future national elections.
Valid9ja gathered that although discussions continue behind the scenes, political parties have yet to officially unveil their strategies for the next presidential race.
Kwankwaso defends Peter Obi’s northern support by rejecting Ali Modu Sheriff’s assessment and insisting that the former Labour Party presidential candidate enjoys meaningful backing across Northern Nigeria. As political conversations ahead of the 2027 elections continue to gather momentum, possible alliances and shifting political calculations are expected to remain key issues in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.