The Kwankwasiyya Movement has taken a swipe at former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, over his reported remarks that the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Coalition, NDC, Peter Obi, has no meaningful political future in Northern Nigeria, insisting that no individual has the authority to determine the political choices of the region.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Habibu Sale Mohammed Mailemo, the movement described Mr Sheriff’s comments as disappointing, unfounded and reflective of a patronising attitude towards Northern voters.
According to the group, the remarks wrongly suggest that millions of people in the North are incapable of making independent political decisions without the endorsement of a handful of influential politicians.
“The North is not the personal political estate of anyone,” the statement said, stressing that Northern Nigeria is home to diverse political opinions, aspirations and convictions that cannot be dictated by self-appointed political gatekeepers.
The movement maintained that the region’s electorate has consistently demonstrated political independence and should not be reduced to stereotypes or manipulated by elite political narratives.
It cited comments by its national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who, it said, had noted that the outcome of the 2023 presidential election showed that no candidate should be considered incapable of attracting support across regional boundaries.
According to the movement, the votes recorded across Northern Nigeria in the last presidential election reflected the constitutional right of citizens to freely support candidates of their choice, regardless of regional or political affiliations.
It argued that attempts to rewrite that political reality neither strengthen democracy nor promote national unity, but instead fuel unnecessary divisions at a time Nigerians expect political leaders to focus on addressing the country’s pressing socio-economic challenges.
The group said the issues deserving greater political attention include the rising cost of living, worsening insecurity, youth unemployment, declining purchasing power, the state of education and access to quality healthcare.
“The Kwankwasiyya Movement believes that leadership is earned through ideas, credibility, performance and the confidence of the electorate, not through media declarations or claims of regional ownership,” the statement added.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the movement urged politicians across party lines to conduct themselves with civility, respect democratic competition and avoid statements capable of inflaming regional or political divisions.
It maintained that democracy flourishes when citizens are free to choose their leaders and when political parties compete on the strength of their ideas, policies and records in office.
The movement further noted that Nigerians have become increasingly independent in making political decisions, insisting that no amount of political rhetoric can replace the verdict delivered by voters at the ballot box.
It reaffirmed its commitment to defending democratic values, constitutional rights and the principle that every Nigerian, irrespective of region, ethnicity, religion or political affiliation, has the right to contest for public office and support any candidate of choice.
“The future of Nigeria will be decided by the Nigerian people, not by political gatekeepers,” the statement said.