The Kwankwasiyya Movement has rejected former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff’s claim that National Democratic Coalition (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has no meaningful political future in Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Habibu Sale Mohammed Mailemo, the movement described Sheriff’s remarks as unfounded and said they underestimated the ability of Northern voters to make independent political choices.

“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 said.

The group insisted that no individual could determine the political direction of the North, stressing that the region is home to diverse opinions and voters who have consistently exercised their constitutional right to choose their preferred candidates.

“Let it be stated unequivocally: no individual has the mandate to decide for the entire North. Northern Nigeria is home to diverse political opinions, aspirations, and convictions,” it stated.

The movement cited the outcome of the 2023 presidential election as evidence that Northern voters are capable of supporting candidates across regional and political divides.

“Our National Leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, correctly observed that the outcome of the 2023 presidential election clearly disproves the claim that any candidate is incapable of attracting support across regional boundaries,” the statement added.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement argued that Nigerians are more concerned about issues such as insecurity, the rising cost of living, unemployment, education and healthcare than political rhetoric aimed at determining electoral outcomes.

It urged politicians to respect democratic competition and allow voters to decide through the ballot box rather than making sweeping declarations about any candidate’s prospects.

The movement reaffirmed its commitment to democratic values, insisting that leadership should be earned through ideas, credibility, performance and public trust, not by claims of regional political ownership. (The Sun, but headline reworked)