By Ibrahim Muhammad Kano The Kwankwasiyya Movement has faulted recent remarks by former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, ...
By Ibrahim Muhammad Kano
The Kwankwasiyya Movement has faulted recent remarks by former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, that the presidential candidate of the NDC, Mr. Peter Obi, has no meaningful political future in Northern Nigeria.
The movement described the comments as unfounded and patronizing to Northern voters.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Dr. Habibu Sale Mohammed, and made available on Tuesday, July 8, 2026, the movement said no individual has the mandate to decide for the entire North.
“The Kwankwasiyya Movement like millions of Nigerians and free spirited northerners received with profound disappointment the recent remarks by former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff,” the statement read.
“These comments are not only unfounded but also betray a patronizing view of Northern voters, as though millions of citizens are incapable of making independent political decisions without the approval of a few self-appointed political gatekeepers.”
The movement stated that Northern Nigeria is home to diverse political opinions, aspirations, and convictions, and that its electorate has repeatedly demonstrated that it cannot be reduced to stereotypes or dictated to by political elites.
It cited the 2023 presidential election, noting that the outcome clearly disproves the claim that any candidate is incapable of attracting support across regional boundaries.
“The votes cast across Northern Nigeria reflected the constitutional freedom of citizens to support candidates of their choice,” the statement said. “Attempts to rewrite this political reality neither serve democracy nor promote national unity.”
The Kwankwasiyya Movement said Nigerians are more concerned with the rising cost of living, insecurity, youth unemployment, declining purchasing power, education and healthcare than with narratives seeking to define the political choices of voters.
“Leadership is earned through ideas, credibility, performance, and the confidence of the electorate, not through media declarations or claims of regional ownership,” Dr. Mohammed stated.
As the country approaches the 2027 general elections, the movement urged political actors to embrace civility, respect democratic competition, and refrain from statements capable of deepening regional or political divisions.
“The future of Nigeria will be decided by the Nigerian people, not by political gatekeepers,” the statement added.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement said it remains committed to defending democratic values, constitutional rights, and the freedom of every Nigerian, regardless of region, ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation, to seek office or support the candidate of their choice.
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