Former Borno State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Ali Modu Sheriff has said the North will not support the presidential ambition of Peter Obi in the 2027 general election, arguing that the former Anambra governor would struggle to win votes across the region. Sheriff made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
Former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff has dismissed the chances of Peter Obi emerging victorious in the 2027 presidential election, insisting that Northern voters would not support the former Labour Party presidential candidate, who is now expected to contest under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Sheriff made the comments while discussing the 2027 elections, national politics and the security situation during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television.
According to Sheriff, he is “not worried” about Obi’s presidential ambition because, in his view, the former Anambra State governor would be unable to secure widespread support in Northern Nigeria.
When reminded that Obi won substantial votes in states such as Nasarawa and Plateau during the 2023 presidential election, Sheriff argued that the political landscape had changed. He also alleged that Obi’s tenure as governor left many Northerners dissatisfied, a claim that reflects Sheriff’s opinion and has been disputed in public discourse.
Sheriff also expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would win re-election in 2027 and maintained that, based on the principle of power rotation, the presidency should remain in the South until 2031.
His comments come amid increasing political realignments ahead of the next general election, with opposition figures holding consultations and parties preparing for campaigns.
Peter Obi has not issued a direct response to Sheriff’s latest remarks.
The comments have nevertheless generated widespread debate on social media and across political circles, with supporters of different parties offering contrasting views on the electoral strength of candidates ahead of 2027.
As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, statements by influential political figures such as Ali Modu Sheriff are expected to fuel further debate over voting patterns, regional support and the prospects of major presidential contenders. Ultimately, the outcome will be determined by Nigerian voters at the polls.