Ali Modu Sheriff Accuses Obi of Failing to Condemn Biafra, Defends Tinubu’s Leadership

Former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff has accused Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress NDC of failing to clearly distance himself from the Biafra secessionist movement, arguing that anyone seeking Nigeria’s presidency must be firmly committed to the country’s unity.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today program anchored by Seun Okinbaloye ahead of the 2027 general election, Sheriff said Obi was “the most unqualified person” to call on the President to resign or step aside.

According to Sheriff, Nigeria’s leaders made enormous sacrifices to preserve the country’s unity during the Nigerian Civil War, and anyone aspiring to lead the nation must unequivocally reject secessionist ideologies.

“This country fought a civil war to remain one. Our leaders from both the North and the South sacrificed their lives to keep Nigeria united,” Sheriff said.

He alleged that Obi had never publicly condemned the Biafra movement or the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, insisting that the former Anambra governor should clearly state whether he supports Nigeria’s unity.

“Peter Obi has never condemned Biafra or IPOB. He should come out and say he doesn’t believe in dividing the country. Anybody aspiring to lead Nigeria must be someone who stands for Nigeria, not for any section,” Sheriff stated.

The former governor of Borno State who was once accused by Activist Hajiya Naja’atu Mohammed of starting the terrorist group Boko Haram also defended President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, describing the policy as a necessary decision to avert a financial crisis.

According to him, Nigeria would have struggled to meet its financial obligations had the subsidy remained in place.

“What President Tinubu did in this country to ensure the country moves forward, if you don’t give him credit, you shouldn’t condemn him,” Sheriff said.

He further argued that increased federal allocations to states since the subsidy removal have strengthened sub-national governments, noting that some states now receive as much as ₦55 billion in monthly allocations.

Drawing from his experience as governor, Sheriff said the total allocation received by Borno State during his eight-year tenure was about ₦150 billion, a figure he contrasted with the significantly higher monthly allocations currently being disbursed to some states.