2027: No One Speaks For Northern Voters, Kwankwasiyya Tells Sheriff

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has dismissed comments attributed to former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff suggesting that Peter Obi has no meaningful political future in Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its spokesperson, Habibu Sale Mohammed Mailemo, the movement described the remarks as disappointing and argued that they misrepresented the political independence of Northern voters.

According to the statement, no individual has the authority to determine the political choices of the region.

“These comments betray a view that millions of citizens are incapable of making independent political decisions without the approval of a few self-appointed political gatekeepers,” the statement read.

“It should be stated unequivocally that no individual has the mandate to decide for the entire North. Northern Nigeria is home to diverse political opinions, aspirations and convictions, and its electorate has repeatedly demonstrated that it cannot be dictated to by political elites.

“The movement cited the outcome of the 2023 presidential election as evidence that Northern voters make independent political decisions regardless of regional narratives.

It also referenced its national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who it said had maintained that the 2023 election disproved claims that any candidate could not attract support across regional lines.

According to the group, attempts to portray the North as politically controlled by a few individuals undermine democracy and national unity at a time when Nigerians expect leaders to focus on pressing national issues.

The movement said the country’s priority should be addressing rising living costs, insecurity, unemployment, declining purchasing power, education and healthcare rather than engaging in rhetoric aimed at influencing voters’ political choices.

It further argued that leadership should be earned through ideas, credibility, performance and public trust, not through public declarations or claims of regional political ownership.

As political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gather momentum, the Kwankwasiyya Movement urged political leaders to promote issue-based campaigns, respect democratic competition and allow Nigerians to freely choose their preferred candidates at the ballot box.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to defending democratic principles and the constitutional rights of all citizens.