Even My Worst Enemy Knows I Control Kano’ – Kwankwaso Fires Back At Ali Modu Sheriff

The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has dismissed claims by former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff that the party’s alliance with its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, would struggle to gain support in Kano and across northern Nigeria.

Speaking during an interview with Channels Television on Monday, the former Kano State governor insisted that his political influence in Kano is well established and acknowledged even by his critics.

Kwankwaso suggested that Sheriff’s remarks were aimed at impressing President Bola Tinubu, rather than reflecting the political reality on the ground.

According to him, attempts to underestimate his political strength only work to his advantage.

He said, “My humble self, Ali Modu Sheriff and his friend Bola Tinubu were all in the APC. We know ourselves very well. Up till today, I still communicate with them, especially Senator Ali Sheriff.

“I heard what he said, but I can tell you he wasn’t serious. He only wanted to impress our brother in the Villa and convince him that he’s working.

“Even my worst enemies will tell you that Kwankwaso has Kano. I’m not one of those politicians who go around boasting. In fact, I’m usually happy when people underrate me because it makes them relax while we continue working.”

Kwankwaso also expressed confidence that the NDC alliance would enjoy strong backing in Kano and the wider northern region, arguing that Peter Obi has already demonstrated significant electoral strength in the North.

He noted that Obi secured more than two million votes across northern Nigeria in the last presidential election, describing the feat as evidence of the former Anambra governor’s growing acceptance in the region.

Kwankwaso further predicted that the alliance between the Kwankwasiyya Movement and the Obidient Movement would significantly alter Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general election.

He added, “Whether anyone has the capacity to take votes away from us in Kano or northern Nigeria is simply a matter of waiting to see. By the grace of God, the people of Kano and the North are completely different from the picture Ali Modu Sheriff tried to paint.

“Peter Obi is not new to elections in northern Nigeria. In the last election, he polled over two million votes in the region. By every standard, that is a remarkable figure, and he remains a formidable force in many parts of the North. Those who supported him are still there.

“The combination of the Obidient Movement and Kwankwasiyya will produce many surprises, especially among young Nigerians who are no longer influenced by the sentiments some politicians are trying to promote.”