2027: Atiku Should Wait Till 2031, North Won’t Vote Peter Obi — Ali Modu Sheriff

Former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, has said the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, should postpone his presidential ambition until 2031, insisting that President Bola Tinubu should complete two terms in office.

Sheriff also maintained that the North would not support the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, despite reports of a political alliance involving former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The former governor made the remarks on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he discussed the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to Sheriff, Nigeria’s power-sharing arrangement favours the continuation of the presidency in the South following the completion of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure.

He argued that Atiku, despite being an experienced politician and respected national figure, should wait until 2031 before seeking the presidency.

“For Atiku, this is not the North’s turn. He is a well-respected leader and very qualified, but he has to wait until 2031. President Buhari has finished eight years, so now it’s the South’s turn,” he said.

Sheriff also dismissed Peter Obi’s chances of securing significant support from northern voters, claiming historical grievances would make it difficult for the former Anambra State governor to gain acceptance across the region.

He alleged that Obi’s actions during his tenure as governor of Anambra State had created negative perceptions among some northern communities.

“I don’t worry about Peter Obi because I know Northerners will never support him,” Sheriff stated.

He further claimed that some political stakeholders in Kano had expressed reservations about any alliance involving Kwankwaso and Obi, insisting they would only support Kwankwaso if he contested independently.

Sheriff’s comments come as political parties continue consultations and alliance talks ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with major opposition figures exploring strategies to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Although no official presidential tickets have been unveiled, discussions surrounding possible coalitions and zoning arrangements have continued to shape Nigeria’s political discourse.