2027: Northeast Coalition Backs Sheriff, Rejects Call for Exclusion
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Northeast Coalition for Truth, Justice and Responsible Leadership (NECTJRL) has rejected a petition seeking the exclusion of former Borno Governor, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, from the campaign structure for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election.
The coalition described the petition as politically motivated, saying Sheriff remained an experienced political leader whose contribution to the Northeast and national politics could not be ignored.
Alhaji Abba Chamma Habib, Chairman of the coalition, stated this at a press briefing in Maiduguri on Friday.
Habib said the All Progressives Congress (APC) was “one family” and should not be polarised by individuals or groups pursuing personal political interests.
He said the coalition was in Maiduguri to demonstrate solidarity with Sheriff and show their support and love for him.
According to him, Sheriff is “bigger than one movement or political association,” stressing that his political experience and networks transcended Borno State.
He recalled that Sheriff had served as governor of Borno twice, represented the state in the Senate and served as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The chairman said President Tinubu’s 2027 campaign required unity, experience and broad mobilisation, particularly across the six Northeast states.
He urged supporters of the President to focus on building a strong political coalition rather than excluding experienced leaders.
Habib said Sheriff’s political relationships across the country could contribute significantly to the success of the 2027 campaign.
He also condemned the use of petitions to settle political scores, urging anyone with genuine complaints to approach appropriate institutions.
The coalition called on supporters of President Tinubu to embrace inclusiveness, saying anyone capable of contributing to the campaign should be welcomed.
“We are here to show our solidarity with Ali Modu Sheriff. The APC is one family; there should be no polarisation,” Habib said.
He maintained that the people of the Northeast respected Sheriff and would not allow a politically motivated petition to erase his history, experience and relevance in Nigerian politics.
