NDC Vice Presidential Candidate RMK Rebukes Ali Modu Sheriff, Says Peter Obi Has Strong Northern Support

ABUJA — The vice presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), RMK, has criticised former Borno State Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, over comments he made during a recent interview on Channels Television, arguing that the former governor underestimated Peter Obi’s political strength in Northern Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, RMK expressed disappointment with Sheriff’s remarks, saying he had expected a more measured intervention from the former governor after a prolonged absence from the national spotlight.
According to the NDC vice presidential candidate, Sheriff was wrong to suggest that Peter Obi cannot command significant electoral support in the North.
“In the interview, the former governor claimed that Peter Obi cannot command sizeable support in Northern Nigeria. It is curious that he has appointed himself spokesperson for the Northern masses,” RMK said.
He noted that Obi secured about 2.8 million votes across Northern Nigeria during the 2023 presidential election, describing the performance as remarkable for a first-time presidential candidate.
RMK further argued that the Obi–Kwankwaso (OK) ticket remains a formidable political force, citing growing public dissatisfaction with the current administration and the electoral strength of the northern partner, whom he said previously secured about 1.45 million votes in the region.
He also dismissed Sheriff’s assertion that Kano voters would reject Obi, insisting that the people of Kano have consistently demonstrated political maturity and independence.
“The good people of Kano are neither bigoted nor xenophobic. They have consistently demonstrated strong trust in the Kwankwasiyya movement and will support any credible ticket presented under its banner,” he stated.
The NDC vice presidential candidate urged Sheriff to devote more attention to the security and humanitarian challenges confronting Borno State instead of making what he described as divisive political remarks.
“I respectfully advise Senator Sheriff that, in future national television appearances, he would do better to speak to the serious insecurity and humanitarian challenges facing his home state, rather than making divisive and poorly considered remarks,” RMK said.
He concluded by describing the Obi–Kwankwaso (OK) ticket as the best opportunity for Nigerians to reset the country and place it on a path of competence, unity and national progress.
Sheriff had made the remarks during a Channels Television interview in which he questioned Peter Obi’s electoral prospects in Northern Nigeria. As of the time of filing this report, the former governor had not publicly responded to RMK’s latest statement.