Ali Modu Sheriff Predicts Tough Road for Peter Obi, Backs Tinubu’s Eight-Year Presidency
Former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff has weighed in on Nigeria's political future, asserting President Bola Tinubu will complete an eight-year term. Sheriff also claimed the North would not support Peter Obi, citing his alleged divisive agenda, and advised Atiku Abubakar to wait until 2031 for his presidential bid.
Former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, has declared that President Bola Tinubu will complete two terms in office, insisting that the presidency should remain in the South until 2031. Speaking on Channels Television's Politics Today, Sheriff argued that after former President Muhammadu Buhari's eight-year tenure, it is only fair for the South to retain power.
He maintained that while Atiku Abubakar is a respected politician, his presidential ambition would have to wait until the next electoral cycle after Tinubu's expected eight-year administration.
Sheriff also dismissed Peter Obi'schances of securing widespread support from Northern Nigeria, claiming the region would not back the former Labour Party presidential candidate even if Rabiu Kwankwaso emerged as his running mate.
He accused Obi of pursuing divisive politics, alleging that his actions as Anambra State governor alienated Northerners and linking his political profile to Biafra and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Sheriff challenged Obi to publicly affirm his commitment to Nigeria's unity, arguing that anyone seeking to lead the country must stand firmly for national cohesion rather than sectional interests.
The former governor further accused Obi of political opportunism, claiming he has repeatedly moved between political parties in search of a presidential ticket and would leave any platform that failed to guarantee him the nomination.
Sherman's remarks reinforce his support for the principle of power rotation while offering a sharp critique of the opposition's prospects ahead of the 2027 general election, particularly regarding Obi's chances of winning Northern support.