The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has rejected comments by former Borno State Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, dismissing the electoral prospects of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Kwankwaso said he was disappointed by Sheriff’s remarks during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, where the former Borno governor claimed that Northerners would not vote for Obi.

“After a prolonged absence from public discourse, one would have expected that time away might have sharpened Senator Sheriff’s judgment. Regrettably, that does not appear to be the case,” Kwankwaso said.

He faulted Sheriff for presenting himself as the voice of Northern voters, insisting that Obi had already demonstrated considerable acceptance in the region during the 2023 presidential election.

“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,” he stated.

Kwankwaso also argued that the prevailing economic situation and dissatisfaction with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration had strengthened the prospects of the NDC’s presidential ticket.

“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.

Responding to Sheriff’s claim that Kano voters would not support Obi, Kwankwaso described the assertion as inaccurate and defended the political disposition of the state’s electorate.

“Let me state clearly: 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.

The former Kano State governor urged Sheriff to concentrate on addressing the security and humanitarian challenges confronting Borno State rather than making what he described as divisive political 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,” Kwankwaso stated.

He maintained that the NDC’s “OK ticket” offers “the best opportunity for Nigerians to reset the country and place it on a path of competence, unity, and progress” ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The Zamfara State chapter of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has reacted to the defection of Dr Aslam Aliyu to the All Progressives Congress, APC, saying she was not a duly registered member of the party in the state.

Aliyu, an ally of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, had announced her resignation from the ADC, saying the party lacked a concrete plan to address Nigeria’s challenges.

However, in a statement issued by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Abdulhakeem Umar, the ADC said its records showed that Aliyu neither possessed a valid membership card nor was she formally registered as a member in Zamfara State.

The party maintained that her defection would not affect its leadership, structure or operations in the state.

According to the statement, the ADC remains committed to working with loyal and duly registered members who share its vision and are prepared to contribute to the party’s growth.

It also stated that anyone not committed to the party’s constitution, ideals and objectives was free to leave.

“We also wish to make it clear that any other person who is not genuinely committed to the ideals, Constitution, and objectives of the ADC is free to follow the same path. 

Our focus is on building a disciplined, united, and principled political party with members who are dedicated to its progress.

The Executive Chairman of Tangaza Local Government Area in Sokoto State, Isa Salihu Bashir Kalanjeni, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and stepped down from his position as council chairman.

The decisions were contained in two separate resignation letters made available to journalists on Tuesday.

In a letter dated May 5, 2026, and addressed to the APC Ward Chairman of Kalanjeni Ward in Tangaza Local Government Area, Kalanjeni announced that he was leaving the ruling party with immediate effect.

He described the move as a personal decision.

“I wish to formally inform you of my decision to resign from the APC with immediate effect. This decision is borne out of purely personal reasons.”

In another letter dated July 7, 2026, addressed to the Secretary to the Sokoto State Government and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Kalanjeni also announced his resignation as Executive Chairman of Tangaza Local Government Area.

He stated that his resignation from office took effect immediately.

The former council chairman said he reached the decision after holding consultations with his family, political allies and community leaders.

“This difficult decision has been reached after extensive consultations with my family, key political associates and community stakeholders.”

Kalanjeni also cited administrative challenges as one of the reasons behind his resignation, saying they had made it difficult for him to discharge his responsibilities effectively.

“Due to recent unavoidable administrative challenges, I find that I am no longer able to execute the responsibilities of this office to the high standard expected of me.”

He expressed appreciation to the people of Tangaza, members of the local government legislature and council staff for giving him the opportunity to serve. He also wished the incoming administration success.

Sokoto State Government and the APC had yet to issue any official statement on Kalanjeni’s resignation from the party and his position as council chairman.