A former Governor of Borno State and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ali Modu Sheriff, has said the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is unlikely to secure enough support from Northern Nigeria to win the 2027 election.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television on Monday, Sheriff expressed confidence that the APC would retain power, backing President Bola Tinubu for a second term.
Obi, who came third in the 2023 election with over six million votes, is widely expected to run again in 2027. However, Sheriff dismissed his chances, stating that Northern voters would not support him.
He acknowledged Obi’s performance in states like Plateau and Nasarawa in 2023 but argued that political dynamics have since shifted. Sheriff also alleged that some Northerners remain dissatisfied with Obi’s record as the former governor of Anambra State.
The APC stalwart further claimed that supporters of former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso may resist any alliance involving Obi.
On national security, Sheriff defended President Tinubu against criticism from Obi, who has accused the administration of failing to address insecurity. Sheriff said Nigeria’s security challenges predate Tinubu’s presidency and should be assessed based on ongoing reforms, including discussions around state policing.
He also dismissed the chances of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in 2027, arguing that power should remain in the South until 2031 in line with an informal power-rotation principle.
Sheriff concluded by expressing optimism that Tinubu would win re-election while noting that the APC would continue to campaign actively.
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