The North-East Unity Forum for Asiwaju has threatened to withdraw its support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid if former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, remains in the APC campaign council.
The forum, in a statement signed by its Convener, Hon. Yusuf Umar, on Friday, called on Tinubu and the APC leadership to reconsider Sheriff’s proposed role, saying the decision could affect its mobilisation efforts across the North-East.
The group said it would suspend its mobilisation machinery and review its commitments to the President’s re-election campaign if its demand was not addressed.
It described the continued inclusion of Sheriff in the campaign structure as unacceptable.
“Unless this appointment is reversed, the North-East Unity Forum for Asiwaju will withdraw its support, suspend its mobilisation machinery, and formally review every commitment it has made to the re-election project of President Tinubu,” Umar said.
The forum said its position was based on political considerations and concerns about public perception in the region.
It acknowledged that Sheriff had not been convicted of any offence, stressing that its objection should not be interpreted as a declaration of criminal culpability.
“We have heard the argument that Mr Sheriff has never been convicted. We accept that as a legal fact,” the statement said.
The group, however, argued that political campaigns were influenced by voters’ perceptions, memories and confidence in candidates and their political structures.
It urged the APC to consider other political figures from the region for roles in the 2027 campaign structure.
The forum said the North-East required representation focused on security, reconstruction, economic opportunities and improved welfare.
It also urged the APC to make the 2027 campaign about issues including security, employment, infrastructure, education, food security and the government’s record in office.
The group said campaign leadership should be structured to maximise public confidence and reduce avoidable distractions.
“The Forum’s concern is that continued controversy on Ali Sheriff could affect the President and the APC’s campaign negatively,” it stated.
It stressed that its position was a matter of political judgement, campaign strategy and public confidence, rather than an assertion of criminal guilt.
The forum therefore urged the President and APC leadership to review the campaign structure before the 2027 electioneering process gathers momentum.
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