Former Kano State Governor and running mate to Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has rejected claims that northern voters will turn against the party in the 2027 general election.

Kwankwaso was responding to comments by former Borno State governor, Ali Modu Sheriff,who said on Channels Television that northerners would not support Obi because they believe he would take actions capable of dividing Nigeria if elected president.

In a statement posted on his social media platforms on Tuesday, Kwankwaso described Sheriff’s remarks as misguided and dismissed claims that Obi lacks support in the North.

“It is curious that he has appointed himself spokesperson for the Northern masses. For the record, in his first outing on the presidential ballot, Mr Obi secured approximately 2.8 million votes in the region a remarkable achievement that cannot be dismissed lightly,” Kwankwaso said.

He argued that worsening economic conditions, dissatisfaction with the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration and his presence on the ticket would make the NDC a strong contender in the region.

“Given the current national hardships, the widespread consensus on the failure of the APC administration, and the addition of a strong Northern figure to the ticket who previously garnered 1.45 million votes in the region, the OK ticket remains a formidable force in Northern politics,” he said.

Kwankwaso also rejected Sheriff’s claim that Kano voters would not support Obi.

“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 said.

He further urged Sheriff to focus on the challenges facing Borno State instead of making divisive comments.

“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.

“The OK ticket currently represents the best opportunity for Nigerians to reset the country and place it on a path of competence, unity and progress,” Kwankwaso added.