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 National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has stated that the intervention programs initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration are consistently proving that the Renewed Hope Agenda is yielding significant economic advantages for millions of Nigerians through strategic investments in entrepreneurship, small enterprises, and youth empowerment.

Professor Yilwatda indicated that the Presidential Intervention Funds serve as another illustration of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to fulfilling its campaign pledges by offering essential financial assistance necessary to stimulate business activities, generate employment, and enhance economic inclusion nationwide.

In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the National Chairman emphasised that for many years, access to affordable financing has been one of the primary challenges faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), despite their substantial role in driving national economic growth and job creation.

He remarked that the current administration has intentionally sought to tackle this issue through focused intervention programs aimed at unlocking the entrepreneurial capabilities of Nigerians.

“The Tinubu administration recognises that sustainable economic development starts with empowering the productive sector. By supporting small businesses and young entrepreneurs, the government is establishing a foundation for enduring prosperity and collective economic advancement,” he asserted.

Professor Yilwatda underscored the N75 billion Presidential Intervention Fund for MSMEs as a significant initiative aimed at providing accessible financing for small businesses across diverse sectors of the economy. He noted that this program is enabling entrepreneurs to broaden their operations, enhance productivity, and generate job opportunities.

He further highlighted the N11 billion support package provided through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), characterizing it as a strategic investment aimed at enhancing the capacity and competitiveness of small and medium enterprises in Nigeria.

The APC National Chairman also praised the N30 billion Youth Entrepreneurship Fund facilitated by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, emphasizing that this initiative embodies President Tinubu’s dedication to equipping young Nigerians with the necessary resources to turn innovative ideas into thriving businesses and to serve as catalysts for national development.

Professor Yilwatda underscored that these initiatives are already effecting significant changes in the lives of everyday Nigerians. Throughout the nation, young entrepreneurs, artisans, farmers, traders, tailors, manufacturers, and various small business owners are gaining access to capital, enabling them to grow their enterprises, create additional jobs, and contribute to the economic advancement of their communities.

He elaborated that the impact of these initiatives transcends individual beneficiaries, generating a multiplier effect characterized by increased productivity, elevated household incomes, more robust local economies, and broader opportunities for wealth generation.

“The APC is steadfast in its commitment to fostering an economy that benefits all Nigerians. These intervention funds are not simply policy declarations; they represent tangible investments in the dreams and aspirations of millions of our citizens.

“The evidence is unmistakable. Businesses are receiving assistance, young individuals are being empowered, jobs are being generated, and economic inclusion is on the rise. This is governance that yields results, and it serves as further proof that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fulfilling his promises to the Nigerian populace,” Professor Yilwatda stated.

He reiterated the APC’s and the Tinubu administration’s commitment to enacting policies that encourage entrepreneurship, stimulate investment, bolster local industries, and cultivate a resilient economy capable of delivering sustainable growth.